Wales' George North is tackled by the France defence
© PA Photos

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Wales snapped an eight-Test losing streak with a hard-earned 16-6 victory over France at the Stade de France in Paris.

Match Analysis by ESPNscrum

• Man of the Match: Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny underlined his class with another Man of the Match showing. An 11-point haul proved pivotal with a superb long-range penalty sealing the deal and releasing the pressure valve.
• Key Moment: France coach Philippe Saint-Andre's selection of Frederic Michalak at No.10 despite a lacklustre showing last time out proved costly with the part-time fly-half failing to inspire his side or even influence the game in any way.
• Hero of the Game: Wales flanker Ryan Jones stepped up in the injury-enforced absence of Sam Warburton to inspire his side to a much-needed win. A key cog in the outstanding defensive performance that shackled France and prevented them from scoring a try at home in a Championship clash for only the second time since 2000.
• Villain of the Game: The Stade de France playing surface was terrible and began cutting up in the opening moments of the game. It did little to encourage the expansive rugby that the contest sorely needed and by the end of the match it looked more like a ploughed field.
• Talking Point: What has happened to France? They entered the Six Nations as title favourites following an impressive autumn campaign but have now lost their first two Championship games - the first time that has happened since 1982.
• Play of the Game: Wales wing George North showed superb skill, power and awareness in fielding Dan Biggar's chip through and riding the tackle of France's Francois Trinh-Duc on his way to scoring the all-important try.

The game appeared to be ambling towards a draw after rival goalkickers Frederic Michalak and Leigh Halfpenny each kicked two penalties, but Wales wing George North touched down seven minutes from time after gathering fly-half Dan Biggar's kick to propel his side to their first win in Paris since 2005.

Halfpenny kicked the touchline conversion and then slotted another penalty as Wales ended their run of eight successive defeats and left pre-tournament favourites France still without a point in this season's competition.

Reigning champions Wales were without injured captain Sam Warburton as they aimed to revive their RBS 6 Nations campaign at Stade de France.

Ryan Jones skippered Wales in the absence of Warburton, who was sidelined with a shoulder problem, while flanker Justin Tipuric and hooker Richard Hibbard were also called up following last Saturday's 30-22 home defeat against Ireland.

France, beaten by Italy in Rome six days ago, showed two changes from that game, with juggernaut centre Mathieu Bastareaud handed a start and Toulon lock Jocelino Suta replacing an injured Pascal Pape.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts, meanwhile, won his 50th cap, as the visitors targeted only a fourth victory in Paris since 1975.

Wales made a bright opening, with scrum-half Mike Phillips and No.8 Toby Faletau both running strongly inside the French 22 as Les Bleus found themselves in sustained defensive mode.

After a nightmare first 20 minutes against Ireland, Wales appeared far more cohesive and organised than a week ago, and France only got out of their own half when referee George Clancy awarded them a penalty that Frederic Michalak rifled into touch.

But France did not require a second invitation to move ahead as Michalak accepted their first scoring chance with a 45 metre penalty that left Wales trailing 3-0.

The visitors, though, responded in determined fashion, returning to within sight of France's line before a short-range Halfpenny penalty equalised Michalak's strike.

France pieced together some attacking phases inside the Wales half, with wing Benjamin Fall and centre Maxime Mermoz prominent, but Wales impressively kept their defensive shape to thwart any danger.

Fly-half Dan Biggar mixed his game well for the visitors, kicking cleverly behind the French defence when Wales had possession, but France looked more of a try-scoring threat, either via Mermoz's guile or Bastareaud's power.

Bath prop Paul James went on for a bloodied Gethin Jenkins as half-time approached, and a 3-3 scoreline reflected an opening 40 minutes high on endeavour but low on quality.

Defences continued to dominate as the clock ticked down, with both teams lacking an attacking thrust in the opposition's 22.

But Biggar then kicked superbly behind the French defence, and wing George North caught the ball before diving over in the corner.

Halfpenny kicked the touchline conversion, and Wales' run of sight successive defeats was at an end as they beat France for the first time in Paris since 2005, with Halfpenny's late penalty sealing the deal.

France's Frederic Michalak looks to squeeze through a gap © Getty Images

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