France came out on top in this tight encounter winning 15 v 0 in front of 4,000 supporters in Lyon.
The hosts cemented their place as runners-up in the Six Nations tournament with the victory, but they didn’t have it all their own way with Wales producing a spirited display led by inspirational captain Catrin Edwards.
France crossed for two first half-tries, winger’s Dioni Aguerre and Laurelin Fourcade touching down as they went into the break 10 v 0 ahead.
Full-back Amiee Young missed the chance to narrow the lead with two first half penalties.
The second half Wales came into their own and played much more rugby and held on to possession for long periods. They came close to crossing the line and reducing the deficit when 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 but Wales’ young team will take a lot from this game in a tough environment.
France:
A Parra, D Aguerre, E Poublan, S Agricole, L Fourcade, N Casenave, M Yahe, H Ezanno, G Mignot, C Chobet, S Rabier, C Bouisset, M Hebel, M Andre, A Ba.
Replacements: J Sainlo, A Noguera, M de Nadai, L Canal, S Ramkilaouni, A Soblak, J Troncy.
Wales:
Aimee Young (Bath Ladies), Kerin Lake (Neath Athletic), Mared Evans (UWIC), Elen Evans (Dolgellau), Caryl James (Cardiff Quins), Awen Thomas (Cross Keys), Amy Day (Cross Keys), Jenny Davies (Waterloo), Rhian Bowden (Cross Keys), Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins) (capt), Ashley Rowlands (Wasps), Shona Powell Hughes (Neath Athletic), Lisa Newton (UWIC), Jamie Kift (Cross Keys), Sioned Harries (UWIC)
Replacements: Lowri Harries (Neath Athletic), Caryl Thomas (Bath Ladies), Vicky Owens (UWIC), Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins), Laura Prosser (Pontyclun), Elinor Snowsill (Cardiff Quins), Adi Taviner (Neath Athletic).
