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.
© 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.
© 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.
Matt Law
