Dragons defence holds firm as North-facing Wales beat France

Guy Noves saw French nemesis North was not to be denied, however, as he gathered Jonathan Davies’ chip through at the second attempt and went over the tryline five minutes into the second-half.

Converted by Biggar, who also struck two more penalties over the posts, a large Welsh advantage forced Les Bleus to come out and play. No winning ugly for Noves here – away from home comforts in Paris.

Outstanding defensive work from Gatland’s charges thwarted multiple French attempts to get back into the contest, however. Meddard was notably bundled into touch by Dragons forwards when aiming to cross in the corner.

Enduring around 20 minutes of concerted Les Bleus pressure, including two try chances being held up, the likes of Alan Wyn Jones, home captain Sam Warburton and number eight Toby Faletau proved key in weathering the storm.

Noves defeated by hosts’ defence

Not even France’s replacements, which included the returning Francois Trinh-Duc and Gael Fickou, could muster a response until it was too late.

Les Bleus skipper and hooker Guilhem Guirado performed admirably and crossed for a very late consolation, converted by Trinh-Duc, but Noves knows his team must regroup.

Gatland takes his unbeaten Dragons – two wins and a draw now – on to Twickenham, but has seen Coral cut Wales’ odds of winning the Six Nations into 11/8 from 2/1.

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