France kept their title hopes alive with a last second victory over Wales, denying Wayne Pivac his first Grand Slam in the process.
Despite leading by 10 points heading into the final couple of minutes of the match, Wales were unable to secure their 13th Grand Slam, after Brice Dulin and Charles Ollivon both crossed over the line in the final five minutes.
France's Virimi Vakatawa (centre) celebrates as Wales' Alun Wyn Jones (left) sits dejected after the Guinness Six Nations match at Stade de France, Paris. Picture date: Saturday March 20, 2021.With just over 20 minutes to go, some Welsh fans were happy with how their team looked heading into the final moments of the match, while some not so Welsh fans were feeling the nerves.
Still a quarter to go but this is just a brilliant Welsh performance so far... #FRAvWAL #GuinnessSixNations
— Alex Bywater (@_AlexBywater) March 20, 2021
The only link I have to Wales is once kissing a guy from Pontypridd, but even I am nervous about this #FRAvWAL
— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) March 20, 2021
I DO NOT ENJOY THIS #FRAvWAL
— Rhys Morgan (@rhysmorgan) March 20, 2021
The match started to break down in the final quarter, with both sides showing a number of disciplinary issues. Despite the use of the TMO constantly slowing the game down, many fans were just happy to see the right calls being made; most of the time.
It might take a while but the TMO system in rugby is worth its weight in gold in getting big calls correct.....and the politeness of rugger referees never fails to astound me 🏉 #FRAvWAL
— Shane Cassells (@ShaneCassells) March 20, 2021
Forensic refereeing by English officials in Paris. Some will probably say over analytical for that red card. But a far cry from days of Wade Dooley assaulting Phil Davies in late 80’s and getting away with it #FRAvWAL
— Chris Skudder (@chris_skudder) March 20, 2021
Ultimately, with 13 men on the park against 14, Wales were unable to fend off the mighty French flair, and conceded two tries in the final three minutes of the match, to blow their two-score lead.
France! Just wow. #FRAvWAL
— Shane Harmon (@ShaneHarmon) March 20, 2021
🤯🤯🤯 #FRAvWAL #GuinnessSixNations
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) March 20, 2021
Well... #FRAvWAL #SixNations pic.twitter.com/6gibS8ufaa
— Princes Gate Mineral Water (@PrincesGateUK) March 20, 2021
However, some neutral fans believe that Wales did not deserve to win based off of their negative play towards the end of the match which resulted in their two yellow cards.
Boom. So delighted Wales got punished for all that crap they pulled. #FRAvWAL
— Gavin Daly (@DalyGavin) March 20, 2021
Can you believe it!?
France score in the 82nd minute to deny Wales and Alun Wyn Jones a fourth #SixNations grand slam by winning 32-30.
Wales down to 13 men after two late yellow cards, France playing with 14 after a red.
Excellent composure #FRAvWAL— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) March 20, 2021
With their Grand Slam dreams over, Wales are still in with a shout at winning the championship if France cannot beat Scotland by enough points in their postponed game next weekend.
However, with their title hopes now completely out of Welsh hands, many were quick to point out that OTB Sports' own Ger Gilroy had predicted this downfall weeks ago.
Allez Les Bleus 🇫🇷 redemption for @gergilroy heartbreak for Wales.
— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) March 20, 2021
If imagine @gergilroy is having a wry smile this evening 😂
— Keith Whelan (@nakedadventurer) March 20, 2021
Look what u have done??? @gergilroy
— Mick (@mick_holohan) March 20, 2021
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