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Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 26, 2016 at 8.05pm UK
 
Wales
19-10
France
North (45')
FT
Guirado (78')

Wales beat France to boost title hopes

Wales advance to the top of the Six Nations table courtesy of a 19-10 win over France at the Principality Stadium on Friday night.

Wales have moved to the summit of the Six Nations table courtesy of a 19-10 victory over France on Friday night.

Warren Gatland's side entered the match having won one and drawn one of their two matches in the competition thus far, while France had won both of their matches leading into the clash at the Principality Stadium.

George North of Wales crashes over the line to score the opening try during the Nations match against  France at the Principality Stadium on February 26, 2016© Getty Images

George North scored Wales's only try of the match in the 46th minute, but he needed more than a helping hand from France fly half Jules Plisson, who took a wild swipe at the ball and kicked into North's hands to make up for any embarrassment from the first attempt.

Two penalties from Dan Biggar, who had missed a glorious chance in the 10th minute after France had killed the ball at a ruck, saw Wales lead 6-0 after 30 minutes, but Plisson responded for France three minutes later to keep the score tight at the break, despite the home side's domination in terms of territory.

Biggar registered his third penalty of the match early in the second period, however, before converting in the 47th minute to open up an unassailable 16-3 lead.

Dan Biggar of Wales kicks at goal during the RBS Six Nations against France at the Principality Stadium on February 26, 2016© Getty Images

Biggar was among the action once again in the 65th minute as he made it a 16-point game with little over 15 minutes of the clash remaining.

Driven forward by the inspirational Guilhem Guirado, who scored France's only try in the 78th minute, Guy Noves's side managed to register seven points late on, but they were always playing catch-up as Wales claimed a vital win.

The victory for Wales has set up a potential Six Nations title showdown with England at Twickenham on March 12.

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Wales coach Warren Gatland raises a smile during Wales training at the Millennium stadium on November 3, 2014
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