Arwel back to best against also-rans

The curtain finally came down or, more accurately, the roof eventually closed on the longest and most intense rugby season in history as the Wales hopefuls of the future, in front of a third-full stadium, eventually triumphed by a scoreline and a manner that does not suggest that they are going to take the rugby world by storm.

The curtain finally came down or, more accurately, the roof eventually closed on the longest and most intense rugby season in history as the Wales hopefuls of the future, in front of a third-full stadium, eventually triumphed by a scoreline and a manner that does not suggest that they are going to take the rugby world by storm.

The French Barbarians started at a canter, belying the scratch nature of their selection and illustrated the terrific strength in depth in France. Most of their team were no more than third or fourth choices in their positions but in many aspects of play were more creative and effective than their Welsh counterparts.

As a run-around game it was fine, but as a meaningful competitive contest what was the point? Opportunities maybe for developing Welsh players to gain valuable experience, but against some French also-rans, I think not. The main attraction should have been the first match played under a closed roof, but the footballers of Wales and Brazil upstaged them last Tuesday when the place was full to the rafters.

Chairman Glanmor Griffiths and his colleagues on the Millennium Stadium board need to be careful in their anxiety to promote the new cathedral of Welsh sports. Yes there is a need for events on a regular basis, but quantity must not be the driving factor at the expense of quality. The stadium has been well received in Wales and fans have lent support, but this ill-conceived fixture failed to keep up the momentum.

The match, however, gave fly-half Arwel Thomas chance in front of the eyes of the redeemer, Graham Henry, as he thrived on his return to the Welsh No 10. He prompted and teased and gave an impeccable goal-kicking display. His searing break after 20 minutes was Wales's first serious assault into French territory and should have resulted in a try. Wales were quick to make amends and Ian Gough strode over following intense pressure on the French line.

This was assumed to be the cue for the home onslaught. Nothing of the sort as slick French threequarter passing gave winger Alwin Joubert the space to open the Baa-Baas' account. The sprightly Gough raced 25 metres to claim his and his side's second try on the half hour but back came the plucky French as centre Raphael Chanal was driven over. Richard Smith spared Wales's blushes on half-time as he scorched over for a classic scrum-half try.

Smith was replaced at the interval and Gareth Cooper, his replacement, sprinted in from 50 metres. This did signal greater urgency from the Welsh and Matt Cardey crossed in the corner, before Patrick Furet and Filipo Toala claimed tries for the visitors.

Wales: M Cardey (Llanelli), G Thomas (Cardiff), M Taylor (Swansea) captain, J Jones-Hughes (Newport), M Jones (Llanelli), A Thomas (Swansea), R Smith (Ebbw Vale), P Rogers (Newport), G Jenkins (Swansea), B Evans (Swansea), I Gough (Newport), A Jones (Harlequins), N Budgett (Ebbw Vale), M Williams (Cardiff), G Lewis (Pontypridd). Replacements: D Williams for G Thomas, 58; C Rees for A Thomas 69; D Jones for Rogers, 40; C Wells for Jenkins, 45; D Jones for A Jones, 70; G Thomas for M Williams, 62.

French Barbarians: J L Sadourny (Colomiers, capt), A Joubert (Perpignan), R Chanal (Aurillac), G Delmotte (Harlequins), F Toala (La Rochelle), E Nicol (Montferrand), J Fillol (Toulouse), S Sanchez (Gloucester), J F Tordo (Bourgoin), J F Meslier de Rocan (Auch), G Chasseriau (La Rochelle), S Sergeev (Montauban), J Diaz (Castres), P Furet (Perpignan), J L Aqua (Toulon). Replacements: A Powles for Sanchez 40; S Mannix for Nicol, 40; V Moscato for Tordo, 51; F Champ for Joubert, 71; G Forgues for Fillol, 76.

Referee: D Bevan.