Hosts France overcame the stiff challenge of Wales to overwhelm them in the second half and run out 32-3 winners, also capturing an all-important bonus point.

Wales dominated the start of the match but neither side was able to properly take a grip and the first half was an overwhelmingly poor spectacle.

France were successful with two Bourret penalties to Thomas' one and when the half came to an end with just three penalties to show for it, one sensed that all concerned were relieved to receive some much needed refreshment and coaching direction.

The half time talk seemed to benefit France more than their opponents. Immediately their ball carrying put the Welsh under pressure and full back Médard finished off a rousing move for the first try of the match. A second try, for prop Laurent Cabarry, put light between them and the Welsh.

With the Welsh defence showing signs of tiredness, the French kept up the pressure, largely through the aggressive running of the back row trio, and, with Wales down to 14,  Nicolas Bontinck scored.

Maxime Mermoz was then yellow carded for a dangerous tackle and the Welsh looked to come back into the match but the French kept them out and rounded off a fine second half performance with a try for Jacquet.

Quotes

Chris Davey, Wales coach: At half time we were still well in the match but after the break they played with much more intensity and deserved to win in the end. I think they stand a chance against South Africa. They changed two thirds of their side but were still very competitive.

Mathieu Bourret, France wing : The Welsh were very aggressive but we stayed calm. At half time we were told to play territorially and as we put them under pressure they made more mistakes. South Africa are a big side now, we need to recover and get into the right frame of mind.

Max Godemet, France coach: In the first half we were put off by their aggressiveness. The changes to the side before and during the match didn't lessen the cohesion and the back row was outstanding, but South Africa is a whole different ball game.

Wales: Craig Evans (Llanelli),  Aaron Bramwell (Ospreys), Dafydd Hewitt (Cardiff, captain), Tom Riley (Pontypridd),  Tom Cheeseman (Bath); Aled Thomas (Newport),  Nicky Griffiths (Bridgend); Rhys Gill (Cardiff),  Ed Shervington (Ospreys), Phil Osbourne (Newport),   Chris Dicomidis (Pontypridd), Dominic Day (Llanelli), Craig Everett (Worcester), Rhys Shellard (Pontypridd), Adam Powell (Pontypridd).

Replacements: Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), Daniel George (Llanelli), Will Jones (Newport),  J Connors, Rob McCusker (Llanelli), Martin Roberts (Ospreys); Dafydd Lockyer (Pontypridd - now Llanelli).