A sensational finish to what had been an average game saw Wales get out of jail to avoid their first defeat to France of the 1990s. That they did was thanks to a remarkable introduction to international rugby league from a Salford forward who had begun the season playing rugby union.

With captain Patrick Entat outstanding throughout, France had dictated the early play. Wales had a lucky escape when Frison knocked on over the line, but it was Entat who registered the first try after 20 minutes, Torreilles converting for a 6-0 lead. Wales were making a littering of errors and continually ruined their attacking opportunities with dropped ball. They were fortunate not to go into the break further behind, Claude Sirvent failing to hold Fraisse's pass with the line beckoning.

But any team with Jonathan Davies has a chance, and the captain (fortunate to be able to continue after an injury in the first half) slowly orchestrated the Welsh revival. On 57 minutes hooker Torreilles was sinbinned and Davies broke the duck with the resulting penalty. He kicked two more, one a huge effort from the half way line before slotting home a drop goal from 40 yards to give Wales a 7-6 lead with eight minutes to go.

The French were stung into action and