Wales Women comfortably beaten by powerful French side despite improvements

France were ultimately too strong for a improved Wales as their winless Women's Six Nations campaign continued with a 42-12 defeat in Brive.

First-half tries from Kate Williams and Gwen Grabb gave Wales hope of coming away from France with something unlikely - having lost their last eight matches against France in the competition. However, the Grand Slam-chasing hosts simply had too much - even if they didn't fire on all cylinders.

As for Wales, they'll be able to take plenty from another defeat - even if they ultimately left France with nothing after conceding six tries.

After a disrupted travel day on Friday, the fear might have been that Wales would have started slowly in Brive. Were it not for a few stolen lineouts, they might have had more of a reward from a decent start in the opening exchanges.

Wales need little reminder of the threat of France - given they've suffered some heavy defeats in this fixture in recent years. But just in case it had eluded them, they were punished from one needless penalty after five minutes.

Following a blatant obstruction from Georgia Evans, wing Emilie Boulard latched onto Carla Arbez' crossfield kick to open the scoring.

Sean Lynn's side responded well. As the lineout finally started to function, Wales' maul rumbled desperately close to the French line.

Even as the home side stopped them short, they couldn't deny back-row Williams as she burrowed her way over.

More magic from Boulard would move France further ahead - with a brilliant one-handed take finishing off a move built upon hefty carries in the tight.

Again, Wales' lineout proved a weapon. Another maul stopped just short, but this time second-row Crabb was able to force her way over the line to make it a two-point game once