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CARDIFF - France coach Bernard Laporte hailed his side's staunch defence and attacking prowess after they rounded off their rugby World Cup preparations with a 34-7 win over Wales today.
The World Cup hosts had too much class for Wales and ran in four tries at the Millennium Stadium, following up back-to-back wins over England at Twickenham and in Marseille.
"Our defence was excellent and there was a real desire to move the ball, especially the second 20 minutes of the first half," Laporte told reporters.
"They (Wales) play the ball a lot and we knew that... we knew how to be vigilant in defence, not like against England who soak up a lot in defence. So Wales today were faithful to their reputation of playing the ball."
France did concede their first try in 200 minutes, James Hook scoring with a cheeky finish on the stroke of halftime, but Laporte's side were otherwise rock solid.
France kick off the World Cup against Argentina in Paris on September 7 and Laporte is confident the French squad have strength in depth.
"What is reassuring, that is despite lots of changes, the players played today with the same spirit (as against England)," said Laporte.
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins acknowledged France had displayed a "clinical edge" but felt his side had shown improved form compared to a narrow win over Argentina last weekend and a heavy defeat by England in an earlier warm-up.
"The difference today was the ability to be clinical in the finishing process that France showed us and maybe (there was) a lot of creative effort with us but not the clinical edge that we need to actually score tries against sides like France," he said.
Wales captain Gareth Thomas needed about 20 stitches after suffering cuts to his face, but despite a number of players picking up knocks, there were no "serious issues in the changing room", Jenkins said.
The Welsh begin their World Cup campaign against Canada in Nantes on September 9.
France 34 (Jerome Thion, Pierre Mignoni, Aurelien Rougerie, Sebastien Bruno tries; Lionel Beauxis 2 pen, 4 con)
Wales 7 (James Hook try; James Hook pen)
- REUTERS
