French too strong for Wales

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A run of eight successive Six Nations victories ground to a halt in the tournament's first Friday night fixture.

And the reigning champions could have few complaints after blowing a 13-3 lead.

They looked in control after full-back Lee Byrne's try and eight points from the boot of fly-half Stephen Jones generated a comfortable advantage.

France though, fought back to justify coach Marc Lievremont's team selection that featured a debut for 20-year-old Matthieu Bastareaud in midfield, with centre Benoit Baby at fly-half and novice Morgan Parra handed goalkicking duties.

Parra slotted three penalties and a conversion as France edged the try-count through touchdowns by flanker Thierry Dusautoir and wing Cedric Heymans.

Substitute James Hook kicked a late Wales penalty, but France were good value for the win that Lievremont so badly needed.

Both sides can still win the championship, yet unbeaten Ireland now appear to be in control ahead of their home game against England on Saturday.

Wales though, will be smarting from missing a chance to equal the Six Nations record of nine wins in a row jointly held by France and England.