Six Nations 2022: Wales 9-13 France - visitors keep Grand Slam dream alive

France kept alive their dreams of a first Grand Slam and Six Nations title since 2010 with a tense 13-9 victory over Wales.

An Anthony Jelonch try and eight points from Melvyn Jaminet set up the victory.

Wales responded with three Dan Biggar penalties, but could not break down the French defence.

Fabien Galthie's side will aim to complete the Grand Slam against England next Saturday in Paris, while Wales host Italy in their final game.

It was a third defeat in four matches for Wayne Pivac's defending champions alongside a narrow victory over Scotland.

Despite second-half territory and possession dominance along with inspired performances by Biggar and Taulupe Faletau, Wales' lacklustre attack could not crack a resolute French resistance expertly organised by familiar face Shaun Edwards.

The France defence coach was part of Warren Gatland's Wales backroom team between 2008 and 2019, a period that delivered four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and a World Cup semi-final appearance, before joining Fabien Galthie's set-up.

Led by hooker and man-of-the-match Julian Marchand, France also excelled at the contact area as they took their winning sequence to seven games with their first Six Nations silverware for 12 years now beckoning.

Friday night rugby was back for the first time in the Six Nations in Cardiff since 2017 with the Principality Stadium roof open.

The game was unusually played out in front of some empty seats with 63,208 attending a stadium that holds 74,500.

Factors such as being held on Friday night and travel issues, Covid-19 concerns, Wales losing two out of their first three matches and ticket prices, some costing £100, all contributed to the 11,000 absent fans.

There had been talk of fewer French fans travelling,