Wales 9-13 France rugby LIVE RESULT: Jelonch try sees French keep Grand Slam dream alive with dogged defensive display
WALES have been beaten by France after a fantastic defensive display from the visitors.
The French got off to one of their trademark fast starts as Anthony Jelonch crossed the line.
The Welsh then fought back with the boot of Dan Biggar to go in at half time just 10-9 down.
But despite offering little in attack, France managed to kill the game in the second half as just three points were scored, which came from a Melvyn Jaminet penalty.
Wales did their job
Asked about how he feels his team played today despite losing to the French:
The boys put in a very big effort. In these sort of matches, one score can win it and we probably had our opportunity in the second half. We didn't quite get it.
Wayne PivacA campaign to forget
Most Welsh fans will be happy to forget about this Guinness Six Nations and look forward to the future.
They have had a torrid amount of injuries to key players, having to dig deep in their squad to deal with absentees.
It is a team in transition, Rome was not built in a day.
Fate in their own hands
This could be the perfect campaign for France.
They hold their fate in their own hands going into the final round of fixtures irrelevant to other results this weekend.
To face England at home with a Grand Slam at stake seems the perfect finale.
Performance to be proud of
Dan Biggar put in a sterling performance for the home side today.
Wales caused France lots of problems and should have had more points to show for their efforts.
That is probably France's toughest game of the Guinness Six Nations today.
The French march on
Les Bleus pass the test of a tricky trip to Cardiff on a Friday evening.
They now go into their last game, needing to beat England at Parc Des Princes to win the Grand Slam.
Dogged performance by France today.
FT: Wales 9-13 France
Despite being under the cosh for all the second-half, France managed to keep Wales at bay and stop them from scoring.
We didn't expect to see such a close game, Wales will feel they were in touching distance of beating Les Bleus today.
Wales 9-13 France
80. We are into overtime now.
Dante rips the ball from Welsh hands.
France kick into touch.
Wales 9-13 France
79. The clock has stopped with 38 seconds left on it.
One scrummage for Wales, the fans sing 'Land of my Father'.
What a finish this would be if Wales were to do what France did to them in Paris last year.
Wales 9-13 France
78. France are just looking to hold onto the ball to see the game out.
Welsh pressure causes France to kick into the Wales twenty-two.
One last chance for Wales to make a move for the France try line.
Wales 9-13 France
76. Firstly the turnover was huge from the Wales scrum.
Then Danty winning the ball from Welsh hands, winning a penalty.
Jaminet is going to go for it.
Wales 9-13 France
74. That may have been the wrong decision to take the scrum.
Ntamack turns the ball over and France clear to halfway.
Wales may feel they should have put the three points on the board.
Wales 9-13 France
72. Wales have the put in on the scrum deep into the French half.
Dupont has been brought off for the last 8 minutes, big call.
This will be a huge chance for Wales to find that elusive try.
Wales 9-13 France
70. Wales attack down the right-wing with a penalty advantage behind them.
France were caught offside.
The referee brings the ball back.
Wales 9-13 France
68. Pivac will be pleased with the Welsh performance in this half.
They have done everything but score.
With only four points the difference, Wales need to fashion that one try.
Wales 9-13 France
66. Ntamack tries a drop goal from not too far out.
It doesn't miss by much, the height was good.
The ball slides wide of the post.
Wales 9-13 France
65. Rees-Zammit is about to join the game for Wales.
Big cheer from the crowd for the fan favourite.
Josh Adams moves into midfield.
Wales 9-13 France
63. What a chance for Wales there.
Biggar sees the opportunity and kicks low across field.
Faletau takes it and hands it off to Davies, if he takes the pass it is a try.
He knocks the ball on.
Wales 9-13 France
62. Neither team have been able to dominate their opponent today.
The game has been even with few try scoring chances.
Defence has been solid from both sides.
Wales 9-13 France
60. Biggar sends a crossfield kick looking for Josh Adams.
Jaminet goes for the ball and barely gets a touch on it.
Knock-on from Wales penalised.
Wales 9-13 France
58. Wales look to make some gains in the French half.
Under pressure from the French the Welsh are sent backwards.
As Wales kick to clear the referee awards a penalty as France are offside.
Wales 9-13 France
56. Welsh scrum in a good position but Dupont steals the ball.
He sends a big kick up in the air but Josh Adams deals with it.
Penalty awarded to Wales.
Wales 9-13 France
54. Both teams are struggling to make headway into their opponents half.
Possession changing from side to side.
Trying to test one another with tactical kicks.
Wales 9-13 France
52. Wales are trying everything to find a hole in this French defence.
At times it just seems like a blue wall in front of them.
Faletau is penalised for a neck roll, penalty awarded to France.
Wales 9-13 France
50. Great French defence there.
They could see they could take the Welsh player over the try line and hold him up giving themselves a drop-out kick.
The Welsh player is held up, great defending France.
Wales 9-13 France
48. Biggar sends a kick into the corner.
Wales win the lineout and look to drive.
Closer and closer to the French line.