Winger's Dioni Aguerre and Laurelin Fourcade touched down in the first half, capitalising on two mistakes by the Welsh. Wales began strongly and took the game to the favourites, with Edwards and hooker Rhian Bowden prominent with eye-catching charges. But not for the first time this season, Wales were unable to make their possession count. The French backline looked dangerous every time they got a sniff of the ball with Aguerre and Fourcade showing lethal finishing power.

In what was always going to be a tough and physical encounter, it was crucial Wales grabbed any points on offer to keep them in the game but full back Amiee Young (twice) and fly half Awen Thomas missed shots at the posts.

The second half Wales came into their own and played much more rugby and held on to possession for longer periods but the French defence held out. Wales came close to crossing the line and reducing the deficit when No 8 Jamie Kift went over from a close-range scrum, but the ball was spilt over the line.

France's only score in the second period was a penalty try after concerted pressure near the tryline. The final scoreline was rather flattering for the French as Wales gave them a good run for their money.

Wales assistant coach Rhys Edwards said: "This will be a good experience for the players going forward. We are a young side and to play in front of nearly 5,000 is something most of them wouldn't have experienced before. It can be a cruel game sometimes. We went through 13 or 14 phases only to lose the ball and they end up scoring, that's what it's all about at this level, you've got to take any chance that comes your way.

"The players picked up their game in the second spell and took the game to France. France are a very skilful side but we held them in check which is a good omen for the future. There's a lot of potential in this side and we can take a lot of positives out of this campaign," he added.