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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, 23 minutes

Jonathan Davies shuts down a potential French overlap brilliantly, tackling Romain Ntamack at just the right time. 

But Damian Penaud recaptures the momentum with a strong carry, and there's suspicion of an overlap on the other wing...

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:25

AND YOANN HUGET CAPITALISES DOWN THE LEFT WING! France 10-0 Wales

Wales are stretched defensively as the ball goes through the hands of both French playmakers to move the ball wide quickly.

Arthur Iturria holds outside defender George North by straightening his carry in the five-metre channel, having just enough pace and strength to get clear of Gareth Anscombe's clutches and release his left arm for a delicious back-of-the-hand offload.

North can't revere, and Huget scoots over for France's second score.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:26

France 10-0 Wales, 25 minutes

Parra misses the conversion. 0/3 for the usually reliable kicker. 

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:28

France 10-0 Wales, 26 minutes

It is important Wales do not let the game slip any further, but they again fumble from a lineout and France have possession again.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:29

France 10-0 Wales, 27 minutes 

Liam Williams spins out of a tackle and sprints through a gap, failing dos spot a streaking Tomos Williams calling for a kick outside him before he is hauled to floor.

France transgress at the ruck. Another chance for Gareth Anscombe to put Wales on the board.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:30

​France 10-0 Wales, 28 minutes

About five-to-ten metres in front of his previous attempt...

Same shape. Drifts wide. Neither kicker has found their swing yet. 

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:31

France 10-0 Wales, 29 minutes

There's no accuracy in the Welsh game so far. Josh Navidi is the latest to drop a pass cold with his eyes focused on the approaching French wall.

France scrum just inside their own half.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:32

France 10-0 Wales, 30 minutes

Rock solid again fro the French pack and Morgan Parra pokes beyond Liam Williams into the corner.

Williams does superbly to escape, but the Welsh exit is poor. 

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:33

​France 10-0 Wales, 31 minutes 

Morgan Parra claims Tomos Williams' kick and finds Damian Penaud, who sets off at some pace down the right wing.

Josh Adams recovers well and forces Penaud to chip, but the Clermont man is a sublime footballer and weights it perfectly.

Tomos Williams slides back and carries over his own line. Five metre scrum, France.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:34

France 10-0 Wales, 32 minutes

France scrum well again, but Wales counter-push well.

Wales are over-eager from the scrum as the hosts start to beat on the door. Offside penalty, and when the attack comes to nothing, Morgan Parra will have a shot at goal from right in front.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 20:35

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