France's Maxime Lucu dives over the line to score against Wales, Six Nations, 2024. Photo: AFP
France put in a dominant second half performance to earn a 45-24 bonus-point Six Nations victory over Wales in Cardiff in a seesaw contest in which the lead changed hands numerous times before the visitors pulled away.
France's five tries came via centre Gael Fickou, halfbacks Nolann Le Garrec and Maxime Lucu, prop Georges-Henri Colombe and Romain Taofifenua.
While it was a far from perfect performance, under pressure coach Fabien Galthie will be relieved with the win.
"We had a great performance today, we were really frustrated after Italy and wanted to make France proud again so it's great to do that at this stadium," France captain Gregory Alldritt said.
"We have a massive massive pack, and we wanted to be tough on the collision. We have some really good young players and I'm really proud of them and that Nolan Le Garrec scored a try as well."
France move to 11 points from their four games, five behind leaders Ireland. They must beat England with a bonus-point in Lyon this Sunday and hope Scotland upset the Irish in Dublin to stand a chance of lifting the trophy, though their inferior points difference will count against them.
Wales have now been victorious in only one of their last 12 Six Nations matches but were in the game for an hour as they scored tries through wing Rio Dyer, halfback Tomos Williams and centre Joe Roberts.
They have lost all four games in this year's championship as coach Warren Gatland rebuilds the team, and will hope to avoid a fifth in their final match against Italy at home on Sunday.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland Photo: PHOTOSPORT
France made eight changes for the game and had three debutants in their starting lineup in lock Emmanuel Meafou fullback Leo Barre and centre Nicolas Depoortere.
They looked disjointed at the beginning as Wales made a bright start, but as their heavy pack took its toll on the hosts, France showed their superiority with three unanswered tries in the final quarter of the game.
The French have been below par in this Championship and escaped with a fortunate draw at home to Italy last time out, so Galthie will now hope this pressure release is followed by another against England.
-Reuters