Wales overcome defending champions France 24-18

PARIS - Wales overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Six Nations champions France 24-18 in a thrilling match at the Stade de France.

Flanker Martyn Williams scored twice in the first six minutes of the second half to put Wales ahead after the home side had led 15-6 at halftime.

Replacement flyhalf Frederic Michalak dropped a goal to equal the scores at 18-18 before his opposite number Stephen Jones kicked a penalty and a drop goal to give Wales their third win of the championship. They are now on course to win their first grand slam since 1978.

Tries from scrumhalf Dmitri Yachvili and right wing Aurelien Rougerie put France 12-0 ahead in as many minutes but their hopes of a second consecutive grand slam disappeared as Wales took control after the break.

Scorers:

France - Tries: Dimitri Yachvili, Aurelien Rougerie;

Conversion: Yachvili; Penalty: Yachvili; Drop Goal: Frederic Michalak

Wales - Tries: Martyn Williams (2); Conversion: Stephen

Jones; Penalties: Stephen Jones (3); Drop Goal: Stephen Jones

- REUTERS