Wales have beaten France 24-19 in one of the more bizarre games of rugby that you’ll ever see to kick off the Six Nations for 2019.
The game was played under heavy rain from start to finish and it was clear that it was going to be as much about making the least mistakes as it was about scoring the most points.
Wales have built up a reputation for precision and control over the past year and that’s helped them put together a nine-game winning streak. However, in the first half, they played such error-ridden rugby that they were lucky to be only 16-0 down at half time.
The French came out from the off and played a very clever game – pinning the Welsh back with well-placed kicks and only passing wide when the opportunity was really there.
Meanwhile, the Welsh made error after error and gave away six penalties. Luckily for them, Morgan Parra’s kicking radar was soggy otherwise the damage would have been even worse.
The opening try was finished by the French legend Louis Picamoles who finished a period of pressure very nicely for the home side.
The Welsh defence had been pulled from one side to the other and got its alignment wrong at the crucial point allowing the powerful Picamoles to crash between defenders and score.
Their second try was even better as Yoann Huget flew down the left wing and finished a nice passing passage from the men in blue. It was a great example of how short, sharp, forgiving passes could do real damage in the wet and the off load that put Huget in space was perfect.
As Wales continued to struggle to find any sort of rhythm, the French pushed forward and tried to extend their lead.
Through a penalty and a well-timed drop goal on the stroke of half time, the home side entered the sheds with a 16-0 lead and could justly feel as though it was going to be their night.
There has long been a saying in international rugby that you never know which French side is going to turn up week to week.
Well, now that needs to be that you never know which French side will turn up half to half.
Of course, Wales had to score first in the second half if they stood any chance of staying in the game, but not only did they score first, the French began to slowly but surely implode.
The Welsh first try was finished by young scrum half Tomos Williams but it was Josh Adams who created it with a lovely slicing run that carved up the French front line defence and gave the Welsh an easy two on one that they converted.
(Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
At this point, there was no need for the French to panic. Sure the Welsh were playing better but the French were well ahead and if they played the way they did in the first half then more points were sure to come.
However, the French quickly became their own worst enemy. An error-free first half was long gone as Huget managed to gift George North a try – the French went to dive on a bouncing ball just before his try line, slid, lost the ball which allowed North to simply pick up the ball and score.
Two tries within ten minutes was a bit more concerning for the home side and the seeds of doubt were well and truly planted.
As the half progressed the Welsh got rid of their errors and improved their discipline while the French did the exact opposite.
Despite this though the French managed to get themselves a penalty that they converted and regained a two-point lead with about ten minutes to go. Could they still get the win they had earned in the first half? Nope.
Just after taking the lead the young centre Romain Ntamack had a brain fade and tried to spin a loopy pass out wide when the Welsh defence were already up and in the face of the back line. North’s eyes lit up, he juggled the ball out of the French hands and then sprinted away to score a great intercept try that broke French hearts.
The contrast between the side’s performances in the first compared to the second half was almost impossible to comprehend.
The Welsh have now won 10 in a row and while they might not set the world alight with attacking flair, they continue to find a way to win games no matter how tight.
Their back row was impressive and responsible for both turnovers and tight defence was what really starved the French of opportunities in the second half.
The French will be in shock for a good few days.
This is only the third time that an international side has been down by 16 or more points at half time and then lost and to do it at home is even more painful. They should take heart from the first half of course – they played some really clever rugby.
But the difference between their best and their worst in this game is alarming and they need to close that gap and close it quickly. They’ve got some great young talent coming through but they need their more experienced heads to lead by example in times like this.
It wasn’t an attacking master class at all but the tension in that second half as Wales came back was fantastic and it was a great start to the championship.
riddler
Roar Rookie
englishbob? next prediction?
Englishbob
Guest
Yeah, I thought it was a curious game that, Scotland look underpowered in the forwards, italy were decidedly middle range. Irish grand slam coming here
Aussieinexile
Roar Rookie
Just finished watching the Scot/Italy game and Scotland should have put Italy to the sword instead let them off. Playing against Ireland and England cannot be so soft. they need to be sanguine and ruthless. A lot of coaching points from townsend.
Englishbob
Guest
There was talk before the 6N about it being the most open for years, after the match in Paris and 50% of the Scotland/Italy game it's fairly safe to conclude that unless England do the unlikely on Dublin in a few hours Ireland are going to walk this tournament. France were atrocious, Wales did almost nothing good the whole match except scrummage. Scotland are making very hard work of Italy. Pile into Ireland while the odds are still there!
Aussieinexile
Roar Rookie
What a game, I was watching it in my local and not one person thought Wales could come back from this. what did Gatland say to them? What a way to come back. Amazing game. it was freezing conditions, typical rain error ridden. the ball being moved often, I don't understand the logic of why so much kicking, stick to phase rugby. Huget's error compensated for William's knock on. North moments of brilliance changed everything But France delivered and duly imploded. They overcompensated in the forwards that was a heavy pack and found wanting. The backs they look good but why is Parra still there?
riddler
Roar Rookie
hey cp! happy new year to you mate. glad you enjoyed the game. my mates here i watched it with all loved it. bring on more!! no idea who would win as the clock went over 80min. agree 100% on wayne barnes. very good ref and knows his french, which i always found a great thing to have. the overhead scrum view was a great one. what i did notice was how closely binding were both sets of second rows. no gap between them at all. great for scrum strength, something oz has lacked since eales and then vickerman days. also really enjoyed watching the young prop bamba. turns 21 in march as in on loan from lyon to brive, who play in the 2nd division. first couple of scrums he struggled, then he held his own. he could end up being something special.
Cynical Play
Guest
I thought it was a cracker in those conditions, Riddler. The French lost no admirers and would have been deserving winners but for a George North moment of brilliance. Well reffed. The French No 8 was a standout for me as was North. The Wales rush defence was very effective late in the game and very few tackles were missed by the Welch. The French loose-head angled in all night (both of them). It was clearly a tactic obvious from above but missed by the ref. TMO should have a word when it is that obvious. That French team looked like a good team to go forward with.
riddler
Roar Rookie
What a game!! What a headache am nursing as well and it all starts again in a few hours! Loved the game, France were great in the first half and wouldn't let wales play. Considering the absolute belting down rain and near freezing conditions there was some great skill on display. 2 easy gifts from huget and sebastian gave the welsh the win. Bring on the arvo!!
CUW
Roar Rookie
@ taylorman this match is the 2nd example in recent times to the rugger teams of all nation on the following 2 points. the first match was when NZ lost to SA. 1. a very good goal kicker will win u matches. despite what many experts say about trys winning you matches , it is the sharp shooting goal kicker that will make a difference when things are very close. 2. also despite what many say , old heads are necessary in tight matches. yes youthful exuberance and all that looks great on the field but it can cost u a lot. history will perhaps show that teams with a lot of test caps perform better in tight competitions.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Good match, typically rain error ridden but good to see the ball being moved often. Good old France, now up and down in the same match. Good start for Wales who get the crucial Ireland and England matches at Millenium.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
You've got to have a good slice of luck somewhere in a 6N tilt and maybe this was Wales' serve. Somehow I don't see the Irish being as profligate towards England.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
I thought we were gone at half time, but the boyos dug deep. Cymru am byth.