France moved to within sight of a first Guinness Six Nations title and Grand Slam since 2010 after beating Wales 13-9 at the Principality Stadium.
Victory over England in Paris next week will see France crowned kings of Europe just 18 months before hosting the World Cup.
But Les Bleus were pushed all the way by last season’s Six Nations champions before ultimately overcoming a sizeable hurdle.
Those that stayed away – the stadium was some 11,000 short of its 74,500 capacity – missed an absorbing Test match.
Flanker Anthony Jelonch scored the game’s only try after just nine minutes, yet that did not detract from a heavyweight contest when both teams did not give an inch.
Full-back Melvyn Jaminet converted Jelonch’s score and kicked two penalties, while Wales captain Dan Biggar booted three penalties in what was France’s severest test of their Six Nations campaign so far.
Wales will close their Six Nations campaign at home to Italy next weekend, while France go for Grand Slam glory, and the home side, especially, can take a huge amount from a display crammed with character and desire.
Wales boss Wayne Pivac made four changes from the side beaten by England last time out, with fit-again Josh Navidi, fellow flanker Seb Davies, prop Gareth Thomas and centre Jonathan Davies called up.
Nick Tompkins missed out due to concussion, and there was no place in the matchday 23 for back-row prospect Taine Basham. France, meanwhile, showed a solitary switch as wing Gabin Villiere replaced Damian Penaud, who was sidelined after testing positive for Covid-19.
France were quickest out of the traps, with skipper Antoine Dupont immediately testing Wales’ defence before Jaminet kicked a third-minute penalty after Navidi drifted offside.
Wales
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