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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:


TRY! TOMOS WILLIAMS IS THERE IN SUPPORT FOR THE SCORE! France 16-5 Wales

It is a moment of brilliance from Josh Adams, beating Paul Willems's tackle and speeding away from the rest of the French defence.

A simple pass outside to Tomos Willliams and the nine is over.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:06

​Gareth Anscombe slots the conversion. France 16-7 Wales, 47 minutes

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:07

48 minutes

A first change for both sides. Uini Atonio has picked up a knock and looks a little worse for wear as the precocious Demba Bamba takes his place. Excited to see the 20-year-old prop in Six Nations action for the first time.

Cory Hill replaces Adam Beard in the row for Wales. 

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:08

France 16-7 Wales, 49 minutes

The France crowd boo as Romain Ntamack is contacted somewhat heavily as he kicks down the left touchline.

There's nothing in that. A fair tackle.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:09

France 16-7 Wales, 50 minutes

A first test at scrum time for Demba Bamba. He destroyed opposition loose heads at times in last summer's U20 Championships but this will be a sterner test for the youngster. 

Free kick for a French early shove. We go again.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:10

TRY! FROM NOWHERE, WALES HAVE A TRY! YOANN HUGET HAS HAD A SHOCKER! GEORGE NORTH SCORES! France 16-12 Wales

Wales have the penalty advantage from the scrum , but Hadleigh Parkes seems to waste it, innocuously stabbing through.

Wayne Barnes lets things run but Huget is sliding back to smother on his own try line. 

There's no pressure, none whatsoever, but he fumbles regardless and George North picks up well to dot down.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:11

​Gareth Anscombe converts. Oh, how quickly a game can change. France 16-14 Wales, 53 minutes

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:13

More Welsh changes.

The halves go off. Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar more-than-adequate replacements.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:14

France 16-14 Wales, 55 minutes

France are crumbling now.

Wales surge into their territory with a break from Jonathan Davies, slipping out of a Morgan Parra tackle before Arthur Iturria just about grabs him.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:16

France 16-14 Wales, 56 minutes

And Ross Moriarty spots a gap and picks and goes his way over!

Or not. Alun Wyn Jones had used some skullduggery to open it up. A grab of Louis Picamoles away from the ruck and Wayne Barnes has spotted it.

A fair enough call.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:17

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