France beat brave Wales to remain on course for title

Women's Six Nations

France: (21) 42

Tries: Boulard 2, Bigot, Feleu, Champon, Penalty Cons: Bourgeois 5

Wales: (12) 12

Tries: Williams, Crabb Con: Bevan

France stay connected people for a Grand Slam decider against England aft overcoming a dogged Welsh broadside successful Brive.

Emilie Boulard was backmost successful nan line-up and backmost successful nan tries arsenic she crossed twice, while Wales deed backmost done Kate Williams and Gwen Crabb.

Manon Bigot's people connected nan changeable of half-time gave nan hosts a 21-12 lead, pinch Wales still very overmuch successful nan contest.

But France's people shone done arsenic they pulled distant pinch efforts from Manae Feleu, Lea Champon and a punishment try.

Wales' hold for a first triumph nether caller caput coach Sean Lynn goes on, arsenic does a first triumph connected French soil, but they tin beryllium encouraged by an improved performance.

Six-time champions France spell apical of nan Women's Six Nations array earlier England's sojourn to Ireland.

More to follow.

France: Morgane Bourgeois; Kelly Arbey, Marine Menager (co-capt), Montserrat Amedee, Emilie Boulard; Carla Arbez, Pauline Bourdon-Sansus; Yllana Brosseau, Manon Bigot, Rose Bernadou, Manae Feleu (co-capt), Madouddou Fall-Raclot, Charlotte Escudero, Seraphine Okemba, Teani Feleu.

Replacements: Elisa Riffonneau, Ambre Mwayembe, Assia Khalfaoui, Kiara Zago, Axelle Berthoumieu, Lea Champon, Oceane Bordes, Lina Queyroi.

Wales: Jasmine Joyce; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Courtney Keight, Carys Cox; Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Jenni Scoble, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Georgia Evans.

Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Alaw Pyrs, Bryonie King, Sian Jones, Nel Metcalfe.

Referee: Holly Wood (RFU)

Assistant referees: Sara Cox (RFU) & Maria Heitor (FPR)

TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

FPRO: Rachel Horton (RA)