Five try France end on a high

The win meant that the French finished runners-up once again to England while Wales finished fourth in the table for the second year running.

France dominated the first half but only held a 12-0 lead at the break which offered Wales hope for the second spell. However despite getting back into the match fleetingly Wales were unable to turn pressure into points.

France had the better of the early exchanges on a pitch perfect for free flowing rugby. Wales initially withheld the early onslaught, preventing the big French pack from driving over. But the blue tide swept hooker Gaelle Mignot over in the fourth minute.

Caroline Ladagnous exploded into action in the 12th minute after scrum half Marie-Alice Yahe fed her directly from a scrum. She burst clear but the Welsh cover defence managed to keep out the dangerous back.

The try-line was eventually breached in the 16th minute when No 8 Audrey Forlani drove over from close range. Aurelie Bailon added the conversion to give France a 12-0 lead.

Wales were given some hope when Marie-Charlotte Hebel was sent to the sin bin in the 35th minute after taking out Rosie Fletcher after the Wales full back had chipped ahead. Wales started better in the second spell with France again reduced in numbers when replacement Sandrine Agricole was binned however the home side still couldnt capitalise.

France bided their time before showing Wales how it should be done. In the 66th minute the French pack drove from a lineout for Mignot to burrow her way over. Full back Jessy Tremouliere banged over an excellent conversion to give France a 19-0 lead. There was no respite for Wales as the blue tide continued to flow one way. France surged downfield in a flowing movement involving several pairs of hands before winger Ladagnous finished with aplomb in the corner.

Wales ended the match a player down after replacement Sian Williams was binned for an off-side. Elodie Portaries finished Wales off with a stunning solo try when she carried half the Wales pack over with her from 22m. She steamrolled into the open before charging towards the tryline and Tremouliere added the conversion.

Scorers: France: Tries: Mignot (2), Forlani, Ladagnous, Portaries; Cons: Bailon, Tremouliere (2)

France:Jessy Tremouliere, Lairelin Fourcade, Eloudie Poublan, Marjorie Mayans, Caroline Ladagnous, Aurelie Bailon, Marie Alice Yahe, Christelle Chobet,Gaelle Mignot, Helene Ezanno, Marine De Nadai, Cyrielle Bouisset, Audrey Forlani, Charlotte Marie Hebel, Coumba Diallo

Subs: Laetitia Salles, Portaries, Safi NDiaye, Koumba Djoussouvi, Sandrine Agricole, Laura Delas, Jennifer Troncy

Wales:Rosie Fletcher, Caryl James, Elen Evans, Naomi Thomas, Phillippa Tuttiett, Mared Evans, Laura Prosser, Jenny Davies, Rhian Bowden (Capt), Lowri Harries, Vicky Owens, Shona Powell-Hughes, Lisa Newton, Sioned Harries, Jamie Kift

Subs:Caryl Thomas, Megan York, Clare Flowers, Sian Williams, Charlie Murray, Rebecca De Filippo, Aimee Young