Anthony Jelonch’s try keeps France’s grand slam dreams alive against Wales

Four down, one to go. France’s mission for the grand slam, and their first title since 2010 rumbles on, but how Wales made them work for it. Les Bleus were fancied to dominate the defending champions but, as they have demonstrated so often, the Welsh are not easily intimidated.

An early try by Anthony Jelonch ultimately proved decisive but the life was so nearly squeezed from the French grand slam attempt on an incredibly nervy night. But they won ugly, and will welcome England to Paris next weekend going for a clean sweep.

Josh Navidi was the latest seasoned campaigner to return to the Welsh back row among four changes made by Wayne Pivac, and slotted in at No 7 alongside Taulupe Faletau at No 8. Seb Davies, usually a lock, was selected at No 6 to bring extra power along with his impressive stature at lineout time.

There had been copious pre-match grumbling about ticket pricing and the logistics of a Friday night match, and the vast swathes of empty seats at the Principality Stadium were obvious before kick-off. The roof was open and it became a crisp, cold evening after a pre-match deluge.

Not that the weather, the open roof, or the number of fans present looked likely to concern the grand-slam chasing visitors. Fabien Galthié’s side looked ready for business, huddled together near halfway long before Wales emerged from the tunnel.

France looked dangerous from the off. The scrum-half Antoine Dupont ghosted through a midfield gap and off-loaded to the giant second row Paul Willemse. Melvyn Jaminet caressed a penalty through the posts after Wales’s Navidi was penalised at a ruck. Biggar immediately levelled from the tee when France were punished for obstruction.

When the lively Toulon wing Gabin Villiere made a dart on