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As it happenedended

George North seals Welsh comeback against France in thrilling Six Nations opener

Re-live all the action from the Six Nations opener in Paris

Harry Latham-Coyle,Bradley West
Friday 01 February 2019 19:04 GMT
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Six Nations preview: Wales in profile

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Wales staged a remarkable second-half comeback to stun France 24-19 on a memorable opening Six Nations night in Paris.

Warren Gatland's team trailed 16-0 at the interval, but they responded magnificently to claim a 10th successive win and equal their longest unbeaten run since 1999.

Tries by scrum-half Tomos Williams and wing George North, who capitalised on opposite number Yoann Huget's defensive howler, plus two Gareth Anscombe conversions and a Dan Biggar penalty edged Wales ahead following a 15-minute purple patch.

And after France went back in front through a Camille Lopez penalty, North claimed his second try - a stunning 60-metre interception effort that Biggar converted - to give Wales a seventh victory from the last eight starts against France.

Re-live the action below:


France 5-0 Wales, 15 minutes

This from a fair distance again, and the ball drifts wide and short. No dice for Anscombe.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:15

France 5-0 Wales, 16 minutes

The lengthy Damian Penaud gets up well to contest the restart, but Maxime Medard wastes his good work with an awful, sliced kick.

George North fumbles a little and compounds his error with a needless offload to Ross Moriarty. France lineout.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:17

​France 5-0 Wales, 17 minutes

No-one wants to hold onto the slippery pill.

Louis Picamoles fumbles in midfield. Wales in possession, and building well...

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:18

AND LIAM WILLIAMS SLIDES OVER! France 5-5 WALES 

It takes only a couple of phases of Welsh possession and a huge chasm opens up in the centres for France defensively.

Liam Williams surges through it, timing his run well, and looks to have wasted the opportunity by not passing for Jonathan Davies, but slides over anyway under pressure.

But hold on...

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:18

The TMO is checking.

Williams might have knocked on...

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:20

NO TRY!

Williams fumbled as he slid over. An opportunity squandered. Davies would have cantered over had the pass been given.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:20

France 5-0 Wales, 18 minutes

A shame for Wales, but the French showed their defensive vulnerabilities. 

A France five-metre scrum is solid, and Wales are offside after Louis Picamoles carries three defenders with him from the base. France lineout on halfway.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:21

France 5-0 Wales, 19 minutes

Another French penalty. Justin Tipuric is overzealous competing aerially and has contacted Sebastien Vahaamahina in the air.

France back into the Welsh 22.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:22

France 5-0 Wales, 20 minutes

This time France set the maul, and they've got a roll on...

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:23

France 5-0 Wales, 21 minutes

The second stagnation comes with only five metres of damage done, and Morgan Parra is asked to play away. Romain Ntamack makes little ground as he jinks into a tackle.

Camille Lopez drops into the pocket, but pumps high rather than opting for a drop goal.

Liam Williams claims superbly under pressure from three blue jerseys. Mark called.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:24

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