PLAYER RATINGS
Dylan Cleaver: Red card ruined semifinal spectacle
Michael Burgess: Unlucky Welsh still had their chances
Until that point, it was all Wales. They had played all of the rugby as the plugged away in French territory. They were a mixture of control and endeavour and they found a couple of holes in the French defence.
In contrast, France looked almost disinterested. They were often driven back at the collision and lacked the sort of verve at the breakdown they displayed seven days ago against England.
Many wondered whether they had two games in them and it looked like they didn't. That was until Warburton was sent off.
It's said in France, no scrum, not win'. Wales had no scrum, especially after they lost prop Adam Jones to injury in the 10th minute. They couldn't compete with only seven men pushing against the blue wall and often sent in second five-eighths Jamie Roberts to pack down on the side.
Wales battled on manfully. They didn't miss a tackle in the opening 40 minutes (France missed seven) but Warburton's expulsion not only saw them lose their captain but a significant presence on the park. Wales had made it through to the semifinals on the back of enterprising rugby and they seemed to go into their shells, relying heavily on the up-and-under.
They trailed 6-3 at halftime but it didn't help James Hook missed two kickable penalties.
France clearly looked to build pressure in the second half. Halfback Dimitri Yachvili took control and peppered the corners but they were actually guilty of kicking away too much possession. Instead of trying to win they game, they were intent on not losing it.
They were in very real danger of that when Wales halfback Mike Philips fended off French lock Pascal Pape 20m out from the line and scampered in for a try. It gave Wales belief.
They thundered into their work and pinned France back but couldn't find an opening. They also couldn't seem to work replacement first five-eighths Stephen Jones, who had earlier skimmed the post with his conversion, into position for a dropped goal.
Fullback Leigh Halfpenny also came agonisingly close with a 49m penalty attempt in the 76th minute but it dropped just under the crossbar.
Wales didn't deserve to lose. They played themselves to a standstill but couldn't overcome the loss of their captain.
For France, they will return to Eden Park to play in another final 24 years after their first. The won ugly but, crucially, they won.
France 9 (Morgan Parra 3 pens) Wales 8 (Mike Phillips try; James Hook pen). HT: 6-3.
