Defending champions, France kept their Six Nations title hopes alive with a convincing bonus-point win against Wales at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Leading 20-7 at half time, Les Bleus scored five tries and fullback Thomas Ramos kicked 16 points in a 100% performance from the tee for a 41-28 victory in the French capital.
France needed the bonus-point win to retain their trophy if Ireland fail to claim a point against England in Dublin later in the day.
In Paris, outside centre George North opened the scoring after a dominant opening eight minutes from the visitors, with his first try for Wales in two years – in the process overtaking Shane Williams for the most tries (23) scored by a Welshman in the Six Nations.
Flyhalf Dan Biggar added the extras, but Les Bleus hit back almost immediately following an exquisite break from flyhalf Romain Ntamack and captain Antoine Dupont’s pass out wide to put right wing Damian Penaud over in the corner.
Inside centre Jonathan Danty notched the hosts’ second to go with two conversions and two penalties from Ramos as the French went into the break with a 13-point advantage.
? @George_North finds his way over the line for @WelshRugbyUnion to open the scores! #SuperSaturday⚡️ #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/rZj1ySdcYp
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2023
Ntamack ➡️ Dupont ➡️ Penaud ?
? Beautiful from @FranceRugby to level the score!#FRAvWAL #SuperSaturday⚡️ pic.twitter.com/sZc9tyBC6W
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2023
? Danty’s flying out on the wing for @FranceRugby #SuperSaturday⚡️ #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/rMQAchRke7
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2023
Tighthead prop Uini Atonio capped his 50th Test appearance when he barged over to give France the perfect start to the second 40 minutes, before No 13 Gael Fickou burst through for the bonus-point try.
Hooker Bradley Roberts ran a good line to pull one back for Wales from close range, and it was followed by another five-pointer from fellow replacement Tomos Williams, to make it a nervy close to the final quarter for Les Bleus.
But, Penaud dotted down again at the death for France, before a conciliation effort from Wales left wing Rio Dyer, as Fabien Galthie and his troops then turned their attention to the clash between Ireland and England in Dublin.
? There was no stopping @a_wingi getting over that line on his 50th cap for @FranceRugby #FRAvWAL #SuperSaturday⚡️ pic.twitter.com/maX98Jztmm
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2023
?A Fickou French fancy for @FranceRugby ?#FRAvWAL #SuperSaturday⚡️ pic.twitter.com/0bvdXXmXC1
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2023
Photo: @SixNationsRugby/Twitter