But let’s not be too downhearted. The Slam was there up until the 82nd minute of the game and we scored three tries and 30 points in Paris. What might have been will forever be a dream, but what a magnificent game it was.
The title could still be ours if the Scots can do us a favour, but let’s just salute an incredible effort from Alun Wyn Jones’ side. They went toe to toe with the French in Paris and were almost good enough to deliver a knock-out blow.
The disallowed try and red card may have played its part in keeping Wales in the game, but how cruel was it to see the corner effort from Louis ReesZammit ruled out by a fraction of an inch.
This was very much a shot to nothing for Wayne Pivac’s team after their appalling 2020. Nobody gave them a prayer of coming near the top of the Six Nations table but what they showed in a breathless contest at Stade de France is they can still produce against the biggest rugby nations in the world.
When you concede a try within six minutes to the French in a game they have to win with a bonus point to stay on course for the title then you know you are in for a long night at the office. You get back into it with a try of your own and then concede again.
The character of this Welsh team shone through in the first quarter as they said anything you can do, we can do better. Twice the French hit the front, yet by the end of first quarter Wales were ahead and it was all square at the break.
Esta historia es de la edición March 21, 2021 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 21, 2021 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
