Wales v France Six Nations Rugby

I said to the players, I think we're

better than them.

Ireland have

stolen the game.

Who gets there

first, Watson or Anscombe?

Following

an incident in Edinburgh that led to

some players being questioned by

police, Jacques Brunel has...

Interception. Wales will leave with

nothing.

It's a much welcomed

victory for France.

George North is

in for try number two.

France have

beaten England, the Stade de France

erupts.

Six weeks ago it was all positive

thinking and optimism. Now, after

four weekends and occasionally

brilliant and often attritional

rugby, the blue and red meet with

second placed the best either can

hope for. A championship that for

one side still has echoes of a TMO

decision at Twickenham, and of

another, a night out in Edinburgh,

ends on a chilly Cardiff evening

with a lot at stake still. With a

World Cup 18 months away it's about

momentum. And as always, it's about

pride. It has been a most

extraordinary final day already of

this year's Six Nations

championship. The England against

Ireland game at Twickenham is still

going on. Assuming it goes that way,

Ireland will get three extra bonus

points for winning the Grand Slam to

give them an emphatic position.

Scotland winning with a kick from

Greig Laidlaw in the last minute of

the match. Italy had so many chances

to win. But it means England will

finish fifth, the lowest they have

finished in the history of the Six

Nations championship. Who would have

thought that would happen six weeks

ago? You can see clearly the prize

for this match at the principality

tonight is second place, for Wales

or France. It's seriously cold here,

we are all reputable warm. Given the

breakdown has been a great talking

point of the championship this year,

we have a considerable back row of

experts. Sam Warburton in the red

Corner, along with Martyn Williams

and surge is in the blue corner. We

haven't decided number eight yet.

Serge can be number eight.

Ireland,

emphatic winners at Twickenham and

in the championship.

I was wrong, at

the start of the championship I said

I didn't think anybody would win the

Grand Slam given the quality of

teams. But to win a Grand Slam under

the circumstances is a fantastic

effort, well done to Ireland.

The

table said it all. Look at the Gap.

You can criticise the style of play

but they have scored 20 tries in a

challenge so far and it's thoroughly

deserved, they have been

outstanding.

They have been affected

in Atonement, starting really well

with a lot of chances in Paris. They

were going to finish at the top of

the championship and it's really

good for Irish rugby.

Johnny

Sexton's drop goal on that very

first day, was probably the defining

moment in the championship.

In my

experience, looking back to

championship wins, and when Leigh

Halfpenny kicked three points in the

first game of the champ Richard when

we went out to Ireland, winning in

at the Aviva with the Contra --

controversial penalty at the closing

minutes of the game. It was a

defining moment of the championship.

Johnny Sexton is one of the best

players in the tournament so far. I

saw him play in Ireland against the

Welsh and I believe on that game he

played as well in handling and

kicking, and also tapping, his

kicking penalties. He's one of the

outstanding players so far.

I'm sure

we will talk about England later,

but they have lost three matches in

the championship in succession, and

that's their first defeat at home

since Australia in the World Cup in

2015, assuming the scoreline stays

this way. Wales have been playing

France in international rugby since

1908. In the course of that time,

there's only one Welsh forward who

has scored four tries in that series

of matches. Have a guess who that

is. Here he is, a younger version.

Good memories. Just for the hair as

much as anything. I could do with

that today, it's so cold. For some

reason, it just fell in my way

against France. I loved playing in

Paris, my favourite away ground. A

fantastic stadium and atmosphere. I

was the key, if I don't score I will

get pulled off, probably. I thought

I'd retired here. And I is wait to

see the Grand Slam.

Good memories.

Never mind your head, what about

Shane Williams? It's spectacular.

He

can have whatever hairstyle he

wants.

You better get a shift on,

Sam. We could go any angle on this

discussion and the depth Wales have,

but there were times when Wales,

whoever the coach was, he would have

15 and a few others to pick from.

Now Warren Gatland has selection

decisions in almost every area of

the squad, a wonderful luxury to

have. The Wales strength in depth

the squad, a wonderful luxury to

have. The Wales strength in depth

has been building over the last two

years quite nicely.

I think now if

you were picking a World Cup squad

it would be such a strong team of 34

that could all genuinely start.

Wales are in a very good place. You

could have two fifteens and British

Lions still wouldn't be involved.

I

will not go back as far as the 70s

but Wales haven't had as much

strength in depth as they do now.

Until you put it down on paper and

you see it like that, I would be

very comfortable with that 15 taking

to the pitch against France today

and coming away with victory.

Looking at the guys who haven't even

made the team at the bottom.

Phenomenal strength in for Wales.

It

gives

Phenomenal strength in for Wales.

It

gives them a nice luxury, rather

than picking the best 15, they can

pick more on tactics, which we have

seen today with the back row and

number ten. They can pick depending

on tactics rather than just the best

15.

And a greater onus on the coach

now, it's not just playing the hand

you have been dealt, you have to

choose what hand you will play.

It's

something Warren Gatland has tried

to build. In ten years, take two or

three players out of the team and

you would struggle. Now he has

selection issues, which is what you

want as coach.

The French, I can't

remember the last time there were so

Mirnyi French fans here in Cardiff.

I don't know if they have a renewed

confidence or they are re-engaging

with the team, or maybe they just

fancied some sub zero temperatures

in Wales for the weekend. Putting

the World Cup final in 2011 to one

side, the French Cockrell has not

had much to crow about in recent

times.

had much to crow about in recent

times. Certainly since 2010. But as

we look at the Six Nations finishing

positions over the last nine

seasons, maybe the resilience and

defiance they showed in Paris last

weekend points to a sign of better

things to come.

This has a heavyweight feel to it.

England need a bonus point win to

stay in contention for the title.

Beautifully struck. England take the

early lead.

Again, it's a penalty

against France. Elliot Daly from his

own half. Brilliant kick.

Maxime

Machenaud, this to level the scores.

Crossfield kick.

It's unfortunate to

get him around the neck. I know it's

not deliberate but it prevents a

probable to write.

Penalty try

awarded.

-- a probable try.

England

have to score twice.

Elliot Daly is

completely free. Jonny May scores

for England.

England within three

points but they can't get their

hands on the ball and give away the

penalty.

The Stade de France erupts.

Ireland are champions of the Six

Nations.

Nations.

Merci!

It was a very

buoyant Paris last weekend. England

have lost three matches in a row in

the Six Nations in six years. Fran

Savant won three in a row in the Six

Nations in eight years. It's a

terrible record. -- France haven't

won.

Looking at what happened a few

months ago, the way France played

last week was outstanding. We were

really proud of what France put into

their effort in beating England.

They were desperate in attack and

defence. The breakdown, there seems

to be a very... In that area and I'm

very proud of what France achieved.

We will talk about the Welsh back

row shortly, but the French back

row, it's a very young pack

altogether. Camara, just 23, is the

real talisman for the eight.

Camara

is outstanding. His footwork is very

impressive. When he carries the

ball, he always makes some yards,

always goes forwards. I have to say,

the way he played his rugby is

outstanding so far. I really

privileged to see him.

Looking at

the players France have, they've

always had great individual players

and always produced great players,

but they always seemed poorly

coached in the last few years.

Bringing in two recently retired

players into the coaching staff has

helped them. And he is one of the

real shining stars of the French

team.

Jacques Brunel is also a

legendary coach and he knows how to

talk to players and talk to

youngsters. That's the turning point

of the French team. He gives them

the confidence and belief to play

the way they are able to do. And so

far he has made a great impact.

It

seems to me every French match

recover, we have a discussion about

the rotation of crops at nine and

ten. But maybe Machenaud and

Trinh-Duc other two players to take

France to the World Cup.

Definitely.

Machenaud, so far, he's one of the

outstanding players, kicking the way

he does in the game. Playing with

the forwards and backs. Making a

great duo with Trinh-Duc. An

experienced player, one of the most

capped French players, 65 caps. He

knows his game, he's 32, 31, and he

has the full experience to know what

it takes to lead the team and

control the game.

His goal-kicking

will be pretty important tonight. He

is a goal-kicking scrum half and as

Greig Laidlaw proved in Rome today,

it can sometimes prove the

difference between victory and

defeat. Many of you watching might

not have cottoned onto Remy Grosso

before last get in Paris when he won

the manner of the match award, but

he was immense. -- man of the match

award.

He goes all over the place to

call for the ball, doesn't stay on

the wing. He wants to make a good

impact. The fact he came through the

French Academy and French rugby, was

able to play for the French team.

I'm pleased to see him. He seems to

enjoy that, and seems to push him

very far for how we can affect the

game.

Where has he been? He's 29.

He

has appeared from nowhere.

He was in

2015 World Cup for France, and he

played one game. After that, with

the changes of the coaches, he's

sometimes prefers another winger. I

have to say, with the youngsters who

are coming, Grosso is one of the

great talented players.

Wander

around the streets of Cardiff this

morning, chatting to fans, and it's

interesting how the Welsh fans take

this team at the moment. I'm not

sure anybody is terribly sure how

good the side is, or more to the

point, how good it might end up

being. They could have went back in

England and Ireland. They might even

have been going for a Grand Slam in

Cardiff tonight. That has been

achieved twice in the past decade,

but it's five years since the last

title when Rob Howley was in

temporary charge. Tonight is the

102nd time Warren Gatland has led

his team into battle and he is with

Sonia McLoughlin now.

his team into battle and he is with

Sonia McLoughlin now.

Fifth-place

finish this time a year ago. How

important will it be to finish

runners-up?

I think it's good for

building up into the World Cup in 18

months. That's important. We want to

finish well today and reflect on the

Six Nations say we had a couple of

tough calls as well. You need a bit

of luck. If France go on to win

today then they thoroughly deserve

it. The second finish will be a fair

reflection of where we are at the

moment.

You have chopped and changed

at fly-half during the campaign. Why

does Dan Biggar win out over Rhys

Patchell and Gareth Anscombe today?

I think because the game will be a

defensive game. His strengths, what

he is good at in terms of his

kicking game and crossfield stuff,

chips over the top, brilliant in the

air. Good defender, working on the

attacking side, and I think the game

will be tight. We have gone with him

knowing the things he is excellent

at, world-class at, and some other

things that need to continue to

improve in his game. We might make

changes later on, but we think today

will be a very tight encounter

against a very physical French team.

Wales are led today by a certain

Mathieu Bastareaud today, you

mentioned physical! How do you

prepare for a team with a player

like that?

Get in his face as quick

as you can and shuts down the space.

He's very quick and strong. He was

good last week. We will try to close

the space down on him as much as we

can. Keep the ball in the park and

tried to take the legs from them is

Good luck today.

Thank you.

One of

those sporting phrases that someone

is the first name on the team sheet,

but three months ago Hadleigh Parkes

was not even wells, and now he is

the glue binding together the Welsh

backline. -- was not even Welsh.

When I first came over, the

opportunity was to make the most

Europe has to offer. The fiance and

I have enjoyed that aspect of it.

The travel has dried up in the last

few months! But I would much rather

this was happening, I would rather

do this than travel anyway.

Straight

through goes Hadleigh Parkes, comedy

first tried within four minutes.

It's gone really well, I'm enjoying

it. It's something I never thought

would happen. To have it happen has

been amazing. I've thoroughly

enjoyed it.

Hadleigh Parkes finds

Tipuric and Wales are running away.

I'm going along quite nicely. The

two games we have lost, there were

opportunities in those games to win.

I think it's going in the right

direction and it's quite exciting.

You are used these bigger teams.

Physically you have to match them.

You can't give them too many

penalties. You have to be pretty

switched on because they will get

their forward back into the game,

especially kicking to the line and

getting the drive going. We have to

be ready for that.

He's back, the

big man's.

He powered his way over.

Bastareaud, you know what's

happening, but he has subtle

footwork that makes it tougher.

Somebody has to put out their hand

and be a speed bump and others

around can help out and hopefully

make an effective tackle. If we get

our discipline right and play in the

right areas, there is no reason why

we can't have a good result.

we can't have a good result.

Sam

Connor what's your verdict on this

guy?

He's made a massive impact

straightaway. -- Sam, what's your

verdict. The Diack Jamie Roberts,

the physical end of the spectrum,

Owen Williams is the more playmaker,

flair player. -- look at Jamie

Roberts. This guy is a combination

of the two. He has good kicking

skills and great hands. He has come

in at 12, a difficult place to come

into, and he has gone in seamlessly.

He has a lot of strings to his boat.

We had the privilege to sit down and

interview him for BBC Wales a couple

of weeks ago and he's fantastic, I

grabbed a guy who is loving what is

happening to him. The words you

used, the glue of the team, one of

the smartest rugby players I've seen

in a long time to stop it's a great

story.

It's how the man inside him

plays as well, and the number ten

jersey is worn by somebody who

divides opinion. What does Jonathan

Davies make of Dan Biggar?

It would

not be Welsh rugby if we were not

having a debate about who will play

fly half, using three in the last

quarter of games, Jonathan. It's Dan

Biggar today, what does that say to

you about how this game will go?

I

think Dan was number one when the

season started. I think it will be a

tight game. A big aerial battle, and

he's one of the best in the world at

catching and dating. It's an

opportunity for Dan to show he can

play the expansive game and where

they are trying to get it. --

catching and kicking. It's a big

game for Dan today. Get Halfpenny

and George North into it. And also

Dan Biggar's strengths, defensively

and dictating the play.

Don't Wales

just need to identify their best fly

half, whether it's Dan Biggar,

Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Patchell, and

stick with them?

I think so. It's

one of these things where last

autumn and this season, they have

three international stand-offs. They

have Argentina this summer, I doubt

if Dan will go, he can have a rest,

and the other two can fight it out.

But next autumn they will have to

decide who is number-1 and stick

with him through the World Cup. Dan

today, if he can show he can play

the expansive game,, it puts him in

number-1 position.

Dub edition for

the number ten jersey, but in the

back row you could pick anybody from

six or seven players. --

competition. All considerable

players in their own right. Thinking

of who is not involved and Sam falls

into that equation. What does Justin

Tipuric bring to the Wales back row?

Very high energy levels and great

handling skills. A great link. He is

like Martyn was when he was playing.

One of the finest players I have

played with. And in channels, it's

what he's picked for, so comfortable

out there. And he's great tackling.

Both quality, you can see the

balance. He has done nothing wrong

this tournament. Hopefully he can

make an impact off the bench if he

gets the opportunity.

Talking about

back row players and we talked about

the

back row players and we talked about

the breakdown a lot in the course of

this championship. There is a

temptation that the breakdown means

the back row, but not necessarily

for stop turnovers won in the Six

Nations, four of the top ten people

involved are French players and none

of them play in the back row, you

have a centre, scrum-half, hooker.

It's interesting, it's basically the

person who gets there, Sam.

People

focus on

person who gets there, Sam.

People

focus on the number seven when it

comes to the breakdown, but it's a

skill that everybody has to have,

1-23. I think France, the coaches

have told them, particularly last

week, they were so aggressive at

going after the ball in the

breakdown and Machenaud is a great

example of that. He's extreme to get

rid of. Fran Sabin told to target

this area. In this situation, George

Ford is too far away. -- France have

been told to target this area. This

is a common theme happening here.

The France number six is on the

wrong side again, Lauret, and it's a

common theme, the tackled player is

not blown away to Greg. To combat

this, there are two things I would

think, one you have to get a lot

closer to the attacking player,

which Owen Farrell does in a

situation. If I am coaching young

players, I always say that you have

to be with an arm's length of the

bulk carrier, to get yourself a

better chance of getting there. Owen

Farrell is so much closer to the

bulk carrier, giving you a better

chance to get rid of the threat at

the breakdown. The second thing, in

the week to the game, you could go

to the referee as a captain or coach

and say, you need to roll faster.

Looking at the defence to the

attack.

The most pleasing thing in

this competition, a couple of clips

here, Tipuric out wide on the

outside. Watch how wide Tipuric is.

For too long Wales have been too

narrow and the forwards have been

very narrow. What's been really

encouraging is the forwards passing

the ball. Sybil pass from Alun Wyn

Jones, but for two long you have

seen him to get under his shoulder

and just carry. But this is out the

back to Hadleigh Parkes it throws a

fantastic pass. Number seven and six

on the outside. It's something Wales

have struggled within the past but

they are evolving into real lethal

attacking game for stop and that's

against Ireland, a strong defensive

side. And Cory Hill, the centre row,

we have seen in the past, around the

corner and carry up. It's great ball

to Scott Williams and Halfpenny

scores. This has been the most

encouraging thing of the campaign.

We are being coached to do that at

Wales. It gives you the extra player

out why to exploit the overlaps.

Here is the ovation, France led by

Mathieu Bastareaud, from villain to

hero in French rugby in six weeks,

the traditional forward role, coming

into the arena. Huge pyrotechnics

for the final match of this year's

Six Nations Championships. Serge, do

the French fans come here with

expectation or Hope?

Expectation,

from the way the France team played

lastly, we hope today they will play

without any pressure and that they

will be willing to throw the ball

away and get that sense of scoring

tries and trying to win the game.

We

talk a lot about home advantage in

the Six Nations, but nine of the

last 18 games between these sides

have been won by the waiting.

Explain that. We've had 14 matches

in this year's Six Nations so far,

1120 minutes of international rugby

if you are counting. 80 minutes ago.

And that romance took in, we have

had quite a day so far. Second place

is at stake in this match. -- and at

Rome and Twickenham, we have had

quite a day so far. Commentary after

the anthems comes from Jonathan

Davies, Ryan Moore and...

# Allons enfants de la Patrie

Le jour de gloire est arrive

# Contre nous de la tyrannie

L'etendard sanglant est leve

# L'etendard sanglant est leve

# Entendez-vous dans les campagnes

Mugir ces feroces soldats

# Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras

Egorger vos fils, vos compagnes!

# Aux armes, citoyens

Formez vos bataillons

# Marchons, marchons

# Qu'un sang impur

Abreuve nos sillons # !

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau

yn annwyl i mi

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

enwogion o fri

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr,

gwladgarwyr tra mad

# Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed. #

# Gwlad, gwlad

# Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad

# Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau

# O bydded i'r heniaith barhau. #

COMMENTATOR: Good evening. Hello,

Alun Wyn Jones had a rest in the

last round but he is back in the

second row as captain. Just Navidi

where's the sacred seven shirt and

Justin Tipuric WES six. Dan Biggar

has been handed the more sacred

number ten shirt. Scott Williams

partnering Hadleigh Parkes in the

centre. Halfpenny at full-backs,

Steff Evans is the wing, but starts

on the bench. There is no Martyn in

a French front row, the outstanding

captain of France is injured. --

there is no Guilhem Guirado in the

French rent roll. -- French front

role.

It seems only yesterday Johnny

Sexton was dropping a goal in Paris

whose sent Ireland on the track of a

Grand Slam. They achieved that at

Twickenham today. This in Cardiff is

per second place. It is Wales

against France. Hadleigh Parkes.

Takes Wales out of their own 22.

Benjamin Fall, the French full-back.

His first touch. Justin Tipuric and

Alun Wyn Jones. Holding up. The

French prop, Jefferson Poirot. The

ball for Wales.

ball for Wales. George North over

the ball, leaves it for Gareth

Davies. Leigh Halfpenny. Faletau.

Cory Hill, scorer of a try, his

first, against Italy. Rob Evans.

Always try to get the ball away.

Tipuric sorts out the bouncing ball

and it goes- the first time. George

North with the follow-up tackle.

First penalty of the game.

Wales will be disappointed with

giving a penalty away because the

defensive set was good up until

then. They have to meet the

significant French physical

challenge first opportunity they

were doing. Thereafter they need to

keep the ball I've and move the big

French side around.

I think that is

the case. Run them out of steam. You

don't want to be playing in your own

22 because they are a big French

side. The kicking game will be

instrumental because there are some

big lads in Grosso and Fickou who

will be comfortable under the high

ball.

ball.

The French line-out has not

been that efficient. This one works.

Wales trying to push towards the

touchline. Tipuric over the ball.

Delays the release.

The first glimpse of Bastareaud on

the charge. Trinh-Duc. First points

of this game in Cardiff and it is

the French outside-half with the

drop goal.

drop goal.

Great start by France,

very simple. That tactic I think

that is underused.

It is, I just

felt he had no backs outside him,

the ball was slow. He had no option.

Took it very well.

Wales took the

restart quickly. Chaos at the back,

Liam Williams with the follow-up!

Confusion in the French ranks from

the moment they let the restart

bones, to the moment Trinh-Duc got

himself in a pickle, Liam Williams

with the immediate response for

Wales.

Wales.

Bastareaud talking to the

referee. Would it be bad for me to

see how typically French? Not

dealing with the kick-off, not

paying attention, not dealing with

the subsequent play. Whatever you

do, even if it does not go ten get

your hands on it.

It does go ten, it

bounces, they all waited.

What I'm

saying is you cannot afford to take

the chance. Have to claim the ball.

I don't know what Trinh-Duc is doing

and I think he's injured himself.

They played on and it's a very good

try by Wales. France will be

desperately disappointed, what a

shambles.

They were still

complaining when the ball did go ten

metres.

The routine of Leigh Halfpenny, if

you stern words with himself.

Just pushed it a little bit. Just

didn't come at all. This is the

kick, drops short, then it bounces

over so it's play over. Then,

nothing on. I have no idea what

Trinh-Duc is trying to do to be

honest.

Just outside their 22, Wales take

their time. Gareth Davies down

towards Fall. Tauleigne, the French

number eight. Trinh-Duc.

Fickou, powerful surge by Gomes Sa.

Poirot, the other prop. Good counter

rucking by Wales but away comes

Camara.

Camara.

I think Bastareaud is

limping after that tackle from

Williams.

Machenaud, this is

Doumayrou at centre. Justin Tipuric

twists out of the way. Drops the

ball, chance for Wales to counter.

Scott Williams, Liam Williams. Leigh

Halfpenny sets off in pursuit.

Gareth Davies with him. Grosso

covering back for France.

Everyone

knows Wales, two plusses, get it

away from the traffic, good play,

good kick, all from the turnover.

Very good attacking position for

Wales.

So often you see the first

receiver of the turnover being a

kick, I spent its best to push it

through two pairs of hands then you

can make the decision.

Tipuric. Wins

the line-out. Penalty advantage

Wales. It's a free play. It's also

forward progress from the forwards.

Gareth Davies on his own for the

moment, cannot find Liam Williams

but there was the advantage. This is

another point for Wales.

France have

shown throughout the championship if

they get put under pressure they are

prone to giving away penalties.

I

think it's so important, France are

always going to give you

opportunities. We saw in the

Scotland game, Scotland winning on

kicks but you got to play in the

right areas and you will get

penalties from an ill disciplined

French side. For some reason they

cannot giving penalties away.

Not for the first time this

championship Vahaamahina gives away

a penalty.

He is very adept at it.

You can say that.

Missed with his first, readjusted

for his second.

The penalty is good.

Wells extend their lead, 8-3. --

Wales extend their lead.

Not Hadleigh Parkes this time,

George North. Catches the restart.

Justin Tipuric under real pressure

from Pelissie. Gareth Davies, deep

towards Benjamin Fall. Back up into

the slightly hazy air. Good

follow-up tackle. Does well to get

it back.

it back. Gareth Davies looks

outside-half. He was at the bottom

of the ruck. It bounces. Everyone is

onside says the referee. France

surge forward. Bastareaud are not

limping now. Camara held by Liam

Williams.

Williams. Pops it up for Machenaud.

Pelissie, good slip from the hooker,

on comes Doumayrou.

on comes Doumayrou. Quicker hands

this time. It's gone loose again.

Tipuric improvises well. Liam

Williams. Slightly on his own. For

the moment. Gareth Davies arrives.

Scott Williams. Navidi. Hadleigh

Parkes puts too much on it. There

was a Welsh overlap.

There was, but

as it started in the autumn, they

did not engage defenders so when you

create numbers you have to engage a

defender otherwise they drift on

onto the centre the winner so it

looked as if you've got an overlap

but unless you engage them they are

just going to drift onto it so they

have to straighten up a little bit.

Squared shoulders up, hold

defenders.

defenders.

Pelissie has been very

prominent. Quick ball from the

line-out. The loop play. Liam

Williams key men of his wing to take

the man.

Just a penalty. He's the ball.

Holding on and dangerous into the

tackle, penalty.

Interesting, little

runaround by the French. The

interesting thing to me was the back

three of Wales, defended very well.

Liam Williams spotted the last man

was Halfpenny. Creative stuff from

France.

France.

That's the replay. Good

position. Over the ball. Feet above

the horizontal, that is the reason

for the penalty.

Again it's just

silly play.

Yes.

Another penalty

against France, this time for taking

Justin Tipuric and the air. It's a

free pass and a chance for George

North. No advantage. Back to the

line-out infringement. It's an easy

one to spot.

It is so obvious, the

question you might pose is what goes

to a player 's mind when he decides

to do that and the answer is

nothing.

nothing. That visually obvious as

well, not subtle.

Gabrillagues who

gave it away.

gave it away.

Everyone in the

stadium saw what he did wrong.

To be

fair to France I think they have

improved game on game in this year

's Six Nations. But this is a

constant problem and if you are

giving penalties away that are

needless...

Jacques Brunel had gone

into semiretirement. Certainly on

the international scene. The one

thing he's always done, his players

love him they want to play for him

and the old coach lost the changing

room.

They will have to play for him

this summer, they have a nice, easy

to of New Zealand!

The last one before it and now this

one, straight to the middle. 11-3.

It's not just the fact that you

concede points from kickable

positions like France did there, it

is that it constantly takes away any

momentum you have. It gives the

initiative to the opposition, and

territory as well.

Hadleigh Parkes calls for it. France

with some late counter rucking which

does hold it up.

Dan Biggar.

That's a good clearance.

It's a good

exit. Restarts are a very unrelated

part of the game, they are

absolutely crucial -- a very

underrated part of the game. Very

simple, good catch, two drives.

Vahaamahina catches, Pelissie with

the throw and he goes to the back of

the maul.

Wales hold the maul up.

He was

talking. Players can to help him.

Did not go to ground. Now Wales can

clear their lines again.

Technical

defect, getting the ball to the back

but not keeping there.

Alun Wyn Jones able to just come

around and put his hand on the ball

and direct everything.

It can be quite a lonely place,

stuck on your own in the middle of a

French maul.

It can be! When there

are not as many cameras, certainly.

No idea! Bagley. -- thankfully.

Tom

Francis.

Gomes Sa is the French tight head.

From Guinea-Bissau originally which

is more Portuguese by history. He

came to Lisbon, then to France. It's

a bit too messy. Gareth Davies takes

it quickly.

it quickly. Support arrives, Tipuric

to scrum-half, Rob Evans. Faletau.

Scott Williams long, Liam Williams.

No touch. Play on. Faletau. Acting

scrum-half. Cory Hill above his

head. Faletau again. Dan Biggar.

George North in pursuit. Navidi

also. George North gets hands to it,

went backwards.

Faletau, Tipuric. Ken Owens. First

there. Go the other way says

everybody. Rob Evans. That is out of

play this time.

play this time.

Both attacks, the

site are not committing much to the

rucks and mauls, now straightening

it up so defence is very comfortable

on both sides. There is the hit.

20 stones and that the centre.

Camara wins the line-out. Machenaud

thinks there's a bit of space up the

blindside, Fickou, gets the past two

Pelissie, Lauret with him, good

tackle by Liam Williams. Machenaud,

Vahaamahina, Poirot, it's going to

be a try for Fickou.

So often when you see opportunities

made you don't see players

finishing, the panic and take the

wrong option. But there tremendous

play by France. Recognition of the

right time to release the ball.

Brilliant play, first of all the

forwards, the inter-passing down the

right-hand side and once they've

done the break down the right-hand

side everyone congregates, there he

is, Fickou started it off, he's on

the ground, Pelissie spends, Lauret

on the outside and once you've

attracted all the traffic defenders

to the right-hand side there you go

it's a lovely pass and Fickou is

there, he started it and he finishes

it under the post. Brilliant French

try.

Conversion is good from Maxime

Machenaud.

So many times you see

players in this position wanting to

run into the defender instead of

drawing players properly but he's

immediately available, it means the

Welsh outweighed could not

reorganise, to be fair to the Welsh

defenders on the outside they had an

impossible task because there were

three or four French players outside

them.

Back under way after a little

bit of brilliance from Fickou.

Doumayrou, France asking for a bit

more ground, Wayne Barnes unmoved.

France picked off a Welshpool.

Doumayrou. Fall.

Trinh-Duc, France going from side to

side, beautifully picked up, now by

Liam Williams. Gareth Davies. Ken

Owens there but France have numbers.

The game has come alive.

I was just

going to say, thoroughly enjoyable

so far from both sides.

Lovely cross

kick. Camara almost gets it.

kick. Camara almost gets it. Think

it's his latencies injured.

it's his latencies injured.

Williams

committed himself because he saw the

other Welsh player was grounded and

there would have been an overlap.

I

love the variety in France's play.

When there are a lot of defenders in

front of them, Fickou passes it,

Pelissie, all the defenders are

attracted to that area, everyone

goes there, all the players are

there, bouncing ball, dutiful pass,

it's a great line. Brilliant try.

We have more than one French player

down. Camara is carrying on. But

Zach Fulton try scorer, he is fine.

This is Camara, he does not look too

good at all.

They will not want

Camara to go off, he's been one of

their consistent performers.

Doumayrou is back on his feet.

Faletau protect it. Leigh Halfpenny.

Doumayrou has him.

Dan Biggar delivers safely, Cory

Hill. One of the finds of the

season, Cory Hill. Second row of the

Dragons. Liam Williams.

Dragons. Liam Williams. The captain,

Wales second most capped player of

all time. 117 today. Evans makes a

yard or two through the tackle.

Scott Williams, Faletau. Hadleigh

Parkes. Leigh Halfpenny stretches

out with an arm. Josh Navidi. Spun

round. Good angle, good pass, Alun

Wyn Jones, good off-load by the

captain again. Rob Evans. Scott

Williams.

Williams. Bastareaud over the ball.

The referee whistle goes.

The referee whistle goes.

You see

him doing the hard graft, Alun Wyn

Jones. And the ambition and the

dexterity for that off-load. What

Wales are doing well at the moment

is they are clearing French

defenders out. France have caused

other teams significant problems

around the breakdown all over the

field. Whilst Wales perhaps are not

engaging and are a bit too deep

whilst they are making the pass and

Arab lateral they are retaining the

ball and doing it well.

They are

holding the inside defenders. Scott

Williams needs to take it may be a

yard closer to the defensive line

and just hold that one and then they

can break in numbers but this guy, I

tell you what, his game has improved

year-on-year. He works on something

and this year, from the autumn as

well, is lines of running, giving an

option to the scrum-half, has been

brilliant. He just runs a great line

on the blindside shoulder of a

defender.

This was the moment away

Bastareaud goes in for it and it is

a knock-on somewhere.

Unfortunate

there. Scott Williams got a bang on

the head. He will have to get off

and get it checked. Interesting to

see what they do here.

It looks as

if the day is done for Camara.

It

interesting because you've got Steff

Evans who can command, George North

can go in the centre or they could

put Gareth Anscombe on and put Dan

Biggar at number 12. Let's see what

happens. He's up on his feet.

Surprises me I think that he had a

bang on the head but he must have

been thoroughly checked and can play

on.

on.

Babillot comes into the French

back row, his first cap.

Always a proud moment, first cap. He

will be thrilled and children should

be. -- and so he should be.

The

missing captain in the middle.

George North into midfield. Scott

Williams, straight into it.

Bastareaud covered. Williams and

Hadleigh Parkes have to get back

with a lot of French shirts

breathing down on them. Stolen by

France. Liam Williams looked up.

Poirot long and police seek drops

the ball.

The front row, and those

other players you want it there if

you are a Frenchman. Great

opportunity again, the turnover

ball.

ball.

You see here... We haven't got

a kick, but... You've got to drop on

that, slide, make sure your body is

there.

there.

Can't take the pass at shin

level, Adrien Pelissie.

Try to get

the ball out to him, and

unfortunately not the best pass for

Pelissie to take.

Burying gauge. -- Brillante engage

-- pre-engage.

It's a modern thing.

It means going girly to get the

advantage, the weight going forward.

The only way I can describe it is if

you are setting off for a sprint and

you're set of leaning forward on the

front foot, see how much quicker you

get away than when you are leaning

on the back foot. It's a small

thing, but it makes a difference,

which is why they are trying to stop

it.

Seems all right this time. The

captains might want to get it away a

bit quickly. Hadleigh Parkes

couldn't quite time his run.

Head to

head there.

Machenaud...

Ken Owens

is also limping. A wonderful catch

by George North. As to leave the

scrum-half alone.

That should be a

penalty.

Rob Evans at scrum-half.

Navidi in midfield.

Bastareaud came a little late on

Hadleigh Parkes. But they are all

back in position.

back in position.

A high tackle, a

simple tackle.

Pelissie has had a rough minute.

Just can't go over the shoulder

again. Can't do it.

again. Can't do it. Today's game,

you can't go over the top of the

shoulder. You are going to get

penalised.

On that occasion he

couldn't claim the player was going

down or was slept. Just aimed too

high. -- or slipped. It's an ill

disciplined penalty, wasn't

necessary. As all the options open

to tackle wherever he wants, and he

chooses the wrong one.

Just like the last two, Keyes said.

Just like the last two.

Even better.

He's found his range

now. Just punched the first one. Now

he's in there. All the French

players know him, he knows how good

he is and the length of his kick as

well. He has been over into Long,

and in the end they give five

penalties away now.

A bit of a gap

behind Faletau, who turned well and

took it.

took it. Made up for lost ground.

The big handoff from Remi Grasso,

seen for the first time. Hadleigh

Parkes with the tackle in the end.

Again, France's recycling pretty

quickly.

The first one looked a little

forward. That looked more than a

little forward.

France throwing a

few inside Bourse. Fall looks very

dangerous when he gets the ball. --

inside balls. Clearly forward. One

thing rugby union has to work on is

the decoy runners. They have to time

their run, after look like they have

the ball, stay behind the ball. It's

so easy for defenders just to drift.

That's just an example, you can see

the wider context, but what Wales

will not want to happen is France

start to get beyond the initial

defence. The scrambled defence is

good, has been good, but surely as a

defence coach, you would far prefer

it not to come into play.

Ireland

are listening to Paul Grayson, the

old England outside half, talking at

about France before the tournament

began, saying they were so

protectable nowadays. They come in

with runners, around they come. But

this game and this campaign, they

have offered much more with the

crossfield kicks and passing game,

short and long. What can Benjamin

Fall do? Up into the air. Gareth

Davies is up and underneath it.

Justin Tipuric, over the ball.

Faletau. Tipuric began at

scrum-half. Gareth Davies, slowly

back up to his feet. He's right now.

Gael Fickou under pressure from Liam

Williams, and Liam Williams seizes

the ball majestically. Scott

Williams flicks it up for Ken Owens.

The Heather Kerr makes a couple of

yours, good yards. Hitting them hard

in midfield. -- the

in midfield. -- the hooker. Scott

Williams onto Tom Francis.

Faletau tried to cut the angle.

Tackle by Bastareaud.

There he is,

Mathieu Bastareaud. Such a

powerhouse. Not just in the tackle,

but over the tackle.

He's very

strong over the ball. What Wales

have to do as well, a couple of

opportunities there, but Scott

Williams against a couple of the

front row players. After spot the

run and call for the ball when they

see a mismatch on the front row

forward, especially this late into

the first half.

It's the same for

Wales. Make the most in recognising

there were number is clear. Liam

Williams just slightly overrun, the

man on the outside. Navidi just gets

the ball away. There was a gap, had

he been two yards deeper he would

have been in the corner.

To the

short side, no missed passes. You

are right, Brian. Hold his depth,

and it was a chance.

Popped up for

Bastareaud. Pelissie.

Poirot, not a great pass for

Doumayrou. He's a strong old

customer too.

customer too. Another tackle by Cory

Hill. 34 out of 44 was his tackle

stats for the championship. Wales

slowdown.

slowdown. Doumayrou held up by

Tipuric and Scott Williams. The

referee says Maul. Wales get a put

in off the scrum.

Roux good work by

Tipuric.

Tipuric.

-- good work by Tipuric.

The rules of the ruck didn't apply

and Wales get the effective

turnover.

turnover.

They are all in there,

Cory Hill, Tipuric, Scott Williams.

Turnover ball.

Wales earn themselves a penalty at

the scrummage.

What this will do

now, it's a penalty, looks rather

innocuous, but no, the line-out in

the French half. Wales should win

it, and maybe you get something just

before half-time. There's no need

for it in the scrum.

for it in the scrum.

And maybe

knowing it's so close to half-time,

Dan Biggar went for a little bit

more yardage there. A good to touch.

Trying to get an explanation,

Jefferson Poirot. Solve a mystery!

Of why he was penalised.

Of why he was penalised.

Liam

Williams off his wing and then

appended. -- then up ended. France

control the undignified process

pretty well. Wales are still on the

attack and Liam Williams did well to

present.

Scott Williams straightens, twists.

Again, it's... It's that holding up

and holding on that costs the

attacking team.

attacking team.

A bit streetwise by

Gareth Davies. I'm sure he knew it

wasn't his penalty, but if you say,

you made the mistake, you

effectively denied the opposition

the opportunity to do the same and

I'm not surprised fans were upset

about it.

about it.

One try apiece in the

first half. We are into overtime at

the interval. France will make their

way slowly towards the line-out. One

last chance.

last chance.

This is when game

management comes into it. France

have one Chansiri on out. The next

breakdown, the whistle goes. What do

you do? Attack like normal and see

where you go, or Punch three, four,

five times, drop the ball in the

middle and see where you go.

Here

comes Bastareaud. Still going.

Get

over the gain line.

A brilliant bit of ripping by Scott

Williams. If Grosso has a trademark

handoff,...

There you go, take the

points. Williams taking out the man

beyond the ball.

Grosso flat on his

back. Doesn't look good for the

French captain.

They have the

penalty, it will give them the

chance of three points before

half-time. That's exactly what I'm

talking about, moving the ball wide

and getting into situations where

you have

you have your forward and round the

corner several times and you are

virtually guaranteed.

It's beyond

the ball.

He had a word with him

last week and took him off. Look,

just curb it a little bit. You wear

your heart on your sleeve, and that

maybe makes you the player you are,

but sometimes you have to curb it,

just little things like that. Try to

counter ruck.

Virtually within a

metre of the bowl. Within a metre

you'll probably get away with taking

a player. Anything like that and you

won't. And if you do take a player

come you can't carry on running with

him. You have to let him go and play

on with the game.

A very

load-bearing joint, the ankle under

Mathieu Bastareaud. But he's still

on the pitch. Maybe he thinks he can

get to half-time and get a bit of

treatment and then see what's what.

Meanwhile, the most accurate kicker

in this year's tournament, Maxime

Machenaud.

It's a rare miss by Machenaud. Wales

will go in at half-time with a four

point lead. Wales 14-10 France.

STUDIO: It's an interesting contest,

if it hasn't quite caught fire yet.

Thanks to Francois Trinh-Duc, Liam

Williams scoring a try in the corner

after Trinh-Duc himself had given

France the lead. Just four points in

it. It's a good way to finish off

this championship and it's anybody's

game. What more could you want on

this Saturday evening? First

thoughts, Sam Warburton?

Entertaining game, both teams

playing. Wales attacking, France

deep in their half. Both teams want

to win and they want to score tries.

deep in their half. Both teams want

to win and they want to score tries.

It's good for us, good for the

neutral, but France have looked

really good, I think. France looking

good structurally. They look good

off the ball, organising well. I

think they are looking dangerous.

It's good for the sport as a whole

that France are looking and getting

better progressively in this

tournament.

We can definitely see

the way they are pushing the game.

They started well with the drop

goal. But they didn't adjust to that

exception and the Welsh scored the

try. So far there were some positive

and negative. I want to say that the

way they play is really interesting

and hopefully it will give us more

belief and a more positive attitude.

You talk about the kick reception.

An extraordinary preamble to the

Liam Williams try. What was going on

with the restart?

It was a Comedy of

Liam Williams try. What was going on

with the restart?

It was a Comedy of

Errors from the French point of

view. A great start and the drop

goal. Wales will have highlighted

there is a lot of space on the ten

metre line. Doumayrou is a player we

have highlighted. Alun Wyn Jones is

much sharper. He knows it will

bounce. It's a great kick from Scott

Williams. And this is a laurel and

Hardy moment from Trinh-Duc. He's

holding his knee

holding his knee as if he has

injured it but it's comical. France

making simple mistakes to lead Wales

back into the game the.

It is

decision-making where we have

struggled to make decisions, going

for the ball and making sure we stop

the action. The referee recall in it

afterwards. You need to make the

decision first.

Imagining a still

photo of Francois

decision first.

Imagining a still

photo of Francois Trinh-Duc doing

that. Liam Williams scoring there,

and he gave away a wanton penalty at

the end that Wales got away with.

Interesting the relationship he has

with Warren Gatland, who obviously

thinks he is a great player, but

understands that amid the volatility

there are some personal issues as

well.

The way he dealt with it last

week, his punishment was not coming

back on last week. Some players you

can give tough love, some players

you need to put your arm around. You

can give Liam Williams some tough

love and he will take it on the chin

and come back better dustup he's

known for giving players a second

chance and he has done that this

week.

The French tried was like the

France of old.

week.

The French tried was like the

France of old.

Definitely. We can

see from the set piece, Machenaud

going to the blindside and serving

his winger. After that we get Le

Roux in support. Gael Fickou will

take up the space and target to get

through and score the amazing drive.

This is what France have been

exceptional on that try. Also keep

the composure and keep the space and

try to play wide.

It's all about

getting Gael Fickou that try.

Working midfield and spot the gap.

He burst onto the scene a few years

ago and was a real star of the

future. Hasn't quite kicked on, but

that was brilliant to watch.

Sometimes we have seen France rather

do the Conservative thing and go

narrow, but they got a couple of

turnovers. They got a line break,

two passes, got where the defence

was disorganised and you can see on

a couple of angles Wales were slow

to get back into shape and they have

exploited Wales in the midfield and

got their reward. France doing well

off the line breaks and exploiting

the Wales weak points.

What France

have done well is away penalties in

all aspects of the game. A whole

raft of them. Whether it's offside,

not releasing, whatever, line-outs.

What do you put it down to?

It's

about the pressure of the game.

Sometimes they are not lucid at

certain points.

certain points. It has cost them a

lot. It's something where you can't

be clinical and keep your composure.

Some penalties you give away because

you are under pressure and you need

to give penalties away. What France

do is let teams off the hook by

giving away silly penalties.

Jonathan touched on it in

commentary. You have Leigh Halfpenny

in the opposition. You know anything

within 50 metres has to be squeaky

clean. You mentioned it's all

different types of penalties, not

just in the contact area. It scrums

and line-outs. You can't get a

foothold in the game and it kills

momentum.

That's the momentum with

penalties. It's not just the three

points you give away, it the

opposition the opportunity to kick

the ball 30 yards downfield and you

are suddenly in defence after being

in attack. Penalties are a killer

from momentum perspective.

Brian

said in commentary when there was a

penalty at the line-out, he said,

people ask, what are players

thinking when they give away a

penalty like that, and the answer

is, they are not thinking. It is

possible, even in the cauldron of

the Principality Stadium, it's

possible to zone out for a second.

It is. We have the ability to sit

here with all the slow motion, it's

happening out there at 100 mph. Some

of the decisions are pretty poor.

But when it is constantly happening,

the coaches, Shaun Edwards for

instance, if you give penalties

away, you will not be in the team

the following weekend.

Giving away

penalties come you want to stay in

single figures at the end of the

game. As soon as you are going into

double figures with penalties, you

are in trouble.

That also comes with

the pressure you apply on your

opponent. You create a lot of

tension. You don't pay attention to

some detail, and you definitely make

mistakes.

One other thing to talk

about, Scott Williams, it appeared

that he took a heck of a bang to the

head in contact with a French knee.

We are not qualified doctors appear.

You look at that and instantly think

it must be a head injury assessment,

but perhaps not.

Not every blow to

the head is HIA. The neck gets to

wrench back here. I think it's more

a neck wound than head wound.

Any

fans watching who think, why didn't

he get taken off the HIA, in any

game of professional rugby you have

a medical professional watching the

laptop, they have a three second

delay on the game, and they are

constantly looking for anybody who

might have a HIA, how are they on

their feet, do they look wobbly or

show any symptoms? Scott was not

showing any symptoms, and if

anything now we are overcautious to

make sure HIAs do not occur. Scott

has his neck in an awkward position

but it's clearly not an HIA.

Two

games earlier today. A very

contrasting games. The one in Rome

was a thriller. Sensational advert

for the Six Nations and it

definitely banished any thoughts of

Italy not been worth their place in

the championship. They should have

windbag, squandering so me try

scoring opportunities was a look

like Tommy Allen had given them the

match with four minutes to go, but

then Mr reliable for Scotland, Greig

Laidlaw with that kick, 90 seconds

on the clock, winning the match for

Scotland. As for the game at

Twickenham, so much at stake, but

what a game.

COMMENTATOR: Coming down with the

snowflakes, Anthony Watson waiting.

The ball is loose. Ireland

celebrate. Opportunity again for

Ireland. Peter O Marni was taken in

the air so Ireland have the

advantage. Ireland up to the line.

Touching down, that will be a try.

England still hammering at the door.

Once more, it's the forwards.

Advantage to England.

Dylan Hartley crying for it from

Wrigglesworth. A little stab and

Elliot Daly gets it down. Try for

England.

England. Carbery onto Ringrose.

Ireland making good ground.

Stockdale chasing down his own chip.

Can't quite gather, but now he can!

He thinks he has it down before the

line. It's a huge blow for England.

You may award the try.

A third try

for Ireland. Advantage to England,

the penalty coming. England have to

score now. Mike Brown, has Elliot

Daly outside. And Elliot Daly will

score now for England. Is there

still a chance for England to come

back?

A chance out wide for Jonny May, who

scores for England. Again, the

celebrations are all for Ireland.

STUDIO: Owen Farrell did not have

his kicking boots on, England did

not even get a losing bonus point.

Italy finishing with the Wooden

Spoon yet again. England finish

fifth, their worst ever finishing

position since the Six Nations were

introduced in the year 2000. As

things stand, if the match remains

this way, it will mean Wales will

finish second. But well behind

Ireland, who got three extra points

for winning a Grand Slam. The trophy

lift and moment of triumph at

Twickenham today. After what

happened at Cheltenham this week,

what a week for Irish sport. I can

only imagine what it's like in

Richmond and Twickenham and the

surrounding areas. We can hear from

coach Joe Schmidt. Is proud of

emotion?

Absolutely.

emotion?

Absolutely. Players like

Chris and Robbie Henshaw, who

weren't playing today but

contributed immensely to the

championship. That's the whole

squad. They have really earned it.

Congratulations, and joy it.

Cheers.

Whoa Eddie Jones has been speaking

on radio five live saying the Six

Nations has gone but the World Cup

remains the optimum goal for

England.

He said several players

playing for England to date have

played their last game for England.

You decide who that might be.

Tom Ellis stretches away!

One hand off-load to Gareth Thomas.

The challenge is silver skydivers

for sport relief. It's about getting

people over the age of 60 doing a

tandem skydive purely to show that

at the age of 60 you don't have to

retire to your chair. Denise is my

ruck.

I am 85 years old, I'm the

Guinness book of records holder as

the oldest woman skydiver in the

world. I am here to tell them you're

the fear and do it anyway.

This is

me facing one of the biggest fears

I've ever had. I need to overcome it

and I will be a very proud man. To

support me and my amazing silver

skydivers go to BBC .co .uk/ sport

relief.

It's a much more difficult gig being

in a hospitality box here at the

Principality Stadium, we are

discussing which one of them would

most like to piggyback on the back

of Gareth Thomas and jump out of a

plane and I think it was you?

I felt

wobbly on my

wobbly on my chair. I

he looked like

a World War I pilot. There are 40

minutes left of the Six Nations and

it is poised, that is Gareth

Edwards, I don't think he wants,

maybe he is just ringing Gareth

Thomas seeing any chance of me

jumping out of a plane with you?

Anyway, 40 minutes left of the Six

Nations and it's been an

extraordinary final Saturday, let's

hope the next 40 minutes round

things off in some style.

COMMENTATOR: Just a slight pause,

Dan Biggar go and find all.

Jacques Brunel takes his seat to

watch his France, what can they do,

can they overcome the four point

deficit? What can Wales do? Hang on

to this lead? Fickou tackled inside

his own 22. The last half of the Six

Nations 2018. The two scrum cap

wearing backroads, Justin Tipuric

and Lauret meet on the 22.

It's a very slow exit. Leigh

Halfpenny under the ball. Inside ten

Dan Biggar. Not the highest but he

has the chance.

There is a bit of space there. Liam

Williams, Dan Biggar and Leigh

Halfpenny are back.

Spiral kick.

I say pre-match,

thought there would be a lot of

high-kicking going on.

high-kicking going on. I think this

guy has played pretty well. The

captain has been a standout player

for France this season.

Finds his

target again. Scott Williams has to

go on a little shopping expedition.

Charged down. By Hadleigh Parkes.

Fickou back for France.

Fickou back for France.

Fickou has

done well there and so the French to

get background and recover that

ball.

Vahaamahina takes on Josh

Navidi. Back for Machenaud. Very

sedate pace at the beginning of this

second half. Leigh Halfpenny. Dan

Biggar. Wales suddenly give it some

width. Toby Faletau. Surging. Gareth

Williams cannot take it. It's all

gone a bit loose. Liam Williams goes

down. Evans. What a chance.

I said

in the first half when clean breaks

are made they are not always

finished as they should be.

It's a

brilliant break, he spots the

player, hasn't got the legs on the

kid, I will have a go and that is

what is the mismatch. Goes inside

and goes out, ball on the right

hand. Lovely pass. Just a bit too

high. What a player. That's what

you've got to do, if you can spot

someone who you think you're quicker

than, you line him up and take him

on the outside.

But he will and

should be disappointed that the past

was there and he did not put it in

front.

Gareth Davies has got great

hands.

And he runs great supporting

runs.

Stays in the 22. Outside 22.

Ball still on the park. Leigh

Halfpenny, he's looking for the

mismatch.

It's just gone forward off a French

hand. France have competed well at

the break again, Brian.

Yes that has

been one of the things they've done

well for the whole tournament. The

improvements have come elsewhere.

Trying to get out of the way.

Unlucky. Knock-on. Machenaud.

You

don't expect the scrum-half to be

necessarily, but Machenaud has won

four turnovers, not today but he's

compiled that personal tally.

We

have three back row players in the

studio, you have to be brave to put

your head in there.

Faletau risks a look up, Leeds at

four Gareth Davies. There is a

chance, Hadleigh Parkes. Again, just

overrunning.

overrunning.

Similar to the first

half. Don't know if it's

miscommunication or if Liam Williams

mistiming his run.

Four onside

on

two. Hold your depth.

You have do

step back a little bit. The little

things you have to work on.

If the

scrum is not going well you had to

hold your depth.

Babillot wins the

line-out ball. But the puzzle going

on, Machenaud spots a little gap.

Fickou.

Cleverly keeping the ball alive,

France. Great pass by Bastareaud and

another one to Fall from Doumayrou.

France starting to flow a little bit

here.

Good job for Wales that he was

not able to gather that in his

stride.

The tackle from Navidi slows

things up a bit. Babillot. The

French support starts to ring out

around the Principality Stadium.

Babillot again. Gets back to his

feet.

feet. Trinh-Duc, Fall cuts angle.

Fall, the prop.

Goes hard and straight. Gareth

Davies stepped out of the line.

Lauret.

Lauret. Jones and Tipuric dude

pincer movement but cannot quite

hold them up. Pelissie.

hold them up. Pelissie. Trinh-Duc,

tries to straighten.

tries to straighten.

Penalty here

for France. Free play.

for France. Free play.

Vahaamahina

drops it. Here is the penalty.

You

will take this, take the three

points and get within one.

Rolling

into the nine. Not rolling away.

This is one of the reasons why I

think France are starting to

improve. I've been very hard on

Bastareaud in the past because in

French club rugby he's taken the

ball as far as he can, ploughed as

many people out of his way as he can

and now he's added the aspect of

off-loading the ball which is more

in Portland. Now they can use them

to attract players get the ball away

from that focal point. It makes

everything much better, much

improved player.

Dan Biggar gives the call. High

towards the 22. Jumps for it.

towards the 22. Jumps for it. Scott

Williams wholesome towards touch. It

is there for Machenaud outside the

22.

Gareth Davies. Play on seems to be

the order of the day. The moment,

the ball bouncing and bubbling. Josh

Navidi stops all that. Send it wide,

it's gone loose. Nobody on the Welsh

side can touch it, away comes

Bastareaud. Pelissie in support. The

game sparks to life. Cory Hill

smashes into Machenaud.

Hadleigh

Parkes rushed up there cancelled,

forced the French runner back inside

when there were three players

outside. Vital contribution.

It's

gone backwards, it's gone loose. The

ball eludes all hands. Goodness me.

For a moment France had five on

three, Hadleigh Parkes came out of

the line.

It's a dummy kick first of

all and then I thought it was a

knock-on but it was play on. His leg

somehow. They turn it over again, is

this a knock or not? He got his hip

in the way play on. The bouncing

ball. They are all of side so France

fall on it and rot it, played wide.

I would call that loose play.

France change the front row. On

comes over Kingston and Chat. --

Slimani and Chat.

That will not

change much as these players are

pretty much first choice anyway.

It's a slightly shorter stunt for

two of the French front row.

Progress made by France. Penalty

earned by those French forwards.

earned by those French forwards.

I

did say they were borderline first

choice and that shows the power. The

penalty count, France have not

conceded one this half.

Huge

difference as well. Psychologically.

Ben O'Keeffe of New Zealand, he's

missed that!

missed that!

Wanted to make the

forwards feel even better by going

into the corner instead Trinh-Duc...

All the forwards are furious,

they've done all the hard work to

winger the penalty, expect to run

down and at least have a line-out

within a reasonable range and then

that happens.

That could be a huge

moment in the match.

He has brought

them all the way back to the point

where he took the kick.

That's an

occasion where ambition has to be

lessened. Absolutely crucial at this

stage in the game with that score

line, with that penalty that you

make touch.

Reset. Down. Reset.

Poirot looks on

ruefully. The only survivor of the

original front row. Wales will be

conscious of what happened last

scrum, this time they have the boot

in which exposes them to even more

pressure as Ken Owens is to strike

for the ball.

Before the change in the French

front row pressure in the scrum.