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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:


A flurry of changes.

Samson Lee is on at tighthead for Wales. 

Felix Lambey of Lyon and Julien Marchand, another emerging star at Toulouse, on into the French pack.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:18

France 16-14 Wales, 59 minutes

Immediate impact from Lambey.

He's a slender and lengthy lock and he uses his considerable reach to reel in Dan Biggar, before springing to his feet to compete at the ruck and win a kickable penalty.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:19

France 16-14 Wales, 60 minutes

Camille Lopez misses. Not a good night for kickers.

Baptiste Serin is on the pitch. Another classy scrum half off the French production line, and arguably their most exciting player at the position didn't even make the squad in Antoine Dupont.

Jefferson Poirto's race is run, too. Dany Priso is of a more athletic ilk and should add dynamism in the loose.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:21

France 16-14 Wales, 61 minutes

Neither Bamba nor Priso are particularly tested at this level, and Wales have the ascendency in the scrum, forcing the French front row to stand up and winning the penalty.

Dan Biggar will line up from just beyond the ten-metre line.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:23

Perfectly struck. Wales lead! France 16-17 Wales

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:24

Gael Fickou has been in scintillating form for Stade Francais this season. He replaces the impressive Damian Penaud on the right wing.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:25

France 16-17 Wales, 66 minutes

A nasty collision as Louis Picamoles chases a high bomb that Liam Williams collects. Williams is hurt, and France steal the ball.

Inside pass from Wesley Fofana to Julien Marchand. France begin to build.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:27

France 16-17 Wales, 67 minutes

Demba Bamba shows his skills with an offload, but Williams gets to his feet to admirably prevent France capitalising.

The young tighthead then fumbles as he is tackled, and Williams will receive some much-needed treatment as blood trickles down the side of his head.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:28

Liam Williams will have to go off. A blood substitution for the time being.

Gareth Anscombe comes back on and will go to full back, where he is equally comfortable.

Geoffrey Doumayrou of La Rochelle replaces Wesley Fofana in the French midfield.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:30

France 16-17 Wales, 67 minutes

Gareth Davies tests the blindside from the back of a solid Welsh scrum, but France have it covered and the scrum half kicks a couple of phases later.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:31

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