PARIS, 27 February 2005 — Wales stunned defending champions France 24-18 at the Stade de France yesterday to remain on course for their first Six-Nations championship grand slam since 1978.
The game was played at a frantic pace with both sides dominating in turn, throwing the ball around and hitting each other with ferocious defense. France led 15-6 at halftime after tries through scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili and right wing Aurelien Rougerie.
But Wales flanker Martyn Williams grabbed two tries after the break and man-of-the-match Stephen Jones kicked 14 points, including a penalty and drop goal after the sides were tied 18-18. The Welsh, eager to confirm their new status as the best attacking side in Europe after scoring six tries in their first two championship matches, launched the first wide attack.
France countered immediately and, after several phases of fast play, Yachvili dummied his way through the Welsh defense and crossed over for the first try which he converted himself. Rougerie contributed a second try when he dived over in the right-hand corner after a swift backline movement. Wales got on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute through a 35-metre penalty by Jones before a searing break from centre Yannick Jauzion set Yachvili up for an easy penalty three minutes later.
