Welsh lay Paris bogy and do “grand slam”

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 26

Welsh lay Paris bogy and do “grand slam”

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

PARIS.

Playing powerfully, Wales completed international Rugby’s “grand slam” for the sixth time when it beat France, 9-5, in the final match of the “five nations championship,” at Colombes Stadium on Saturday.

In the process, Wales broke a 14 - year - old bogy; it had not won in Paris since 1957.

However, only some atrocious finishing by the French saved the from defeat as they were forced hard back on defence in the last 20 minutes of the first half and for long stretches of the second. HALF-BACK HEROES Finally, it was the Welsh half-backs, G.'O. Edwards, and B. John, who spearheaded their team’s victory.

Edwards rounded off a 90yard run by the full-back J. P. R. Williams to score Wales's first try five minutes after France had taken a 5-0 lead through a try by B. Dauga, converted by P. Villepreux. Then, 11 minutes in the second half, John put Wales into the lead with a penalty and 14 minutes later cut through the French defence for a try. CHANCES WASTED

France could have had 20 points by half-time, a lead which Wales would never have pulled back. But it threw away three almost-cer-tain tries in the first half through bad handling when only yards from the line and ruined many more movements in the same way. Neither side was given much room to move, and Edwards and John were seen more in the role of defenders than leaders of attacks. John, in particular, had a superb game, and time and

ta crush French attacks when all seemed lost for Wales. The forwards engaged in one of the fastest-moving battles seen at Colombes Stadium and after a slow start the French pack matched their more-fancied opponents. This became apparent towards the end when the French back row began to come more into the attack as the Welsh forwards tired.

The Welsh were able to dominate in the forwards only in the first 20 minutes when they deprived the French of the ball. At this point the Welsh were running the ball in the French style but could make no impression.

The final standings were: P W D L F A Ft» Wales 4 4 0 0 73 11 • France 4 12 1 41 40 4 Ireland 4 112 41 46 3 England . 4 112 44 50 3 Scotland . 4 10 3 47 64 2