MY ACCOUNT
France lock Paul Willemse said the 13-9 win at Wales’ Principality Stadium was the hard-fought slog that Les Bleus always expected.
The contest featured only three points in the second half, and a scoreless last half-hour after Melvin Jaminet’s penalty in the 46th minute gave France their eventual winning margin.
The win moved France further clear atop the Six Nations standings, sporting a near two-to-one points ratio after scoring 116 and conceding 60 in the first four fixtures.
They have a 100 per cent record through four games, with a possible Grand Slam looming ahead of England’s visit to the Stade de France next week.
Speaking to BBC One post-match, Willemse said: “We prepared during the week knowing this was going to be one of the toughest games in the season.
“We’re really happy with the result even though it wasn’t a clean match, but it’s expected against a team like Wales.
“[We have to work on] the basic stuff. Discipline, being more secure getting out of our half, because they kept us in there for a long time.
“Definitely a lot of things to work on next week, and for sure we’ll be doing that.”
While he acknowledged some of his side’s shortcomings, the big Frenchman was full of praise for their character and chemistry.
“You see it on the field, you see it during the week’s training, you see it after the games,” Willemse said.
“This is a really amazing and incredible team to be a part of, and I’m really grateful to be a part of it because I think we can do big things.”
France last completed a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2010, also the year of their last title in the competition.
The pre-tournament favourites are living up to their billing so far this year, and team manager Raphael Ibanez highlighted the rugged nature of the Wales clash, pinning the win on his side’s defensive efforts.
“I think it was a very tense game – it was a fierce battle, with many mistakes of course,” Ibanez told BBC One.
“We were under pressure, especially in the second half. Wales had a great kicking game, but winning that game, it’s a great opportunity for next week.
“Sometimes at the international stage you can’t play fantastic rugby every weekend, you just have to be smart in the right areas, making sure your set-piece is working well and your discipline as well.
“I think our defence was outstanding, and that’s what won us the game.”
