France again blow their chance as Wales sneak up to second in table with win

Wales' Liam Williams scores his side's first try during the NatWest Six Nations Championship match between Wales and France. Bob Bradford - CameraSport via Getty Images

PA Sport

Mar 17, 2018, 02:12 PM ET

Wales secured runners-up spot in this season's NatWest 6 Nations Championship after edging out France 14-13 at the Principality Stadium.

A Liam Williams try and three Leigh Halfpenny penalties swayed a forgettable contest Wales' way as they completed a clean sweep of home wins in this season's tournament.

France went the same way as Italy and Scotland before them, yet the visitors could - and probably should - have taken the spoils, given their dominance for much of the match.

Wing Gael Fickou's try, an early Francois Trinh-Duc drop-goal, plus his half-back partner Maxime Machenaud's penalty and conversion ensured that Wales were stretched to the limit.

But a combination of Welsh resilience and French profligacy meant the game ultimately went Wales' way, leaving France still without a win in Cardiff since 2010.

Standings

Six Nations
R	Team	GP	PD	P
1	IRE	5	+84	20
2	FRA	5	+6	15
3	ENG	5	-5	14
4	SCOT	5	0	12
5	ITALY	5	-34	11
6	WALES	5	-51	4

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Wales veteran Gareth Davies confirms international retirement

England rugby: Borthwick defends environment after departures

John Jeffrey 'bitter, betrayed' after ending World Rugby bid

England's Henry Slade has shoulder surgery, out 3-4 months

Ex-Scotland captain Hogg 'resets' in rehab following arrest