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 remain on course for a Grand Slam decider against England after overcoming a dogged Welsh side in Brive.

Emilie Boulard was back in line-up and back in the tries as she crossed twice, while Wales hit back through Kate Williams and Gwen Crabb.

Manon Bigot's score on the stroke of half-time gave the hosts a 21-12 lead, with Wales still very much in the contest.

But France's class shone through as they pulled away with efforts from Menae Feleu, Lea Champon and a penalty try.

Wales' wait for a first win under new head coach Sean Lynn goes on, as does a first victory on French soil, but they can be encouraged by an improved performance.

Six-time champions France go top of the Women's Six Nations table ahead of England's visit 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)