CARDIFF — Wales claimed their third Six Nations Grand Slam in eight years when they beat World Cup finalists France 16-9 at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
The Welsh side, marshalled magnificently by fly-half Rhys Priestland and indefatigable flanker Dan Lydiate, produced a nervous display but still managed to dominate a conservative France team that relied heavily on a kicking game.
The victory, following successes over Ireland (23-21), Scotland (27-13), England (19-12) and Italy (24-3), was sweet revenge for the heart-breaking one-point loss Wales suffered against Les Bleus in the World Cup semi-final.
A stunning solo try by winger Alex Cuthbert, allied with three penalties and a conversion by Leigh Halfpenny were enough to see off a French side that scored three penalties through Dimitri Yachvili (2) and Lionel Beauxis.
“This makes all the sacrifices worthwhile,” said Wales skipper Sam Warburton, who was sent off in last year’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
“You have to give credit to the French. They made it difficult for us to get our game going. But we won and that’s what counts.”
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At Twickenham, England beat Ireland 30-9 to take second place in the standings behind Wales. —Reuters