Match Report

By Andy Morgan

The first game of Wales Men's preparations for Rugby League World Cup 2022 ended in defeat against France in Albi.

Rhys Williams captained the Wales side as he became the men's team's record cap holder, making his 31st appearance to overtake Ian Watson and Jordan James.

In what was a first 13-a-side men's international in more than 1,300 days, largely down to the Covid pandemic, Wales more than held their own for large periods, but it was a clinical third-quarter that ensured the French emerged victorious.

The first penalty of the game brought the first real opportunity for either side, on seven minutes. France worked their way towards the Welsh line ater a penalty on halfway, and Da Costa looked certain to score was it not for a last ditch tackle.

Barely a couple of minutes later and a short kick put through by Rouge was hunted down by Escare, but with the opening score beckoning, the full-back knocked on over the line.

The opportunities were starting to flow, and after a booming kick to touch from Wales' first penalty put the visitors in good field position, Fozard broke the French line with a dummy, but he too was denied what seemed a certain score when the ball was forced from his grasp over the try line by a desperate last-ditch tackle.

On 19 minutes, the first points of the game came thanks to some quality from Benjamin Garcia. His dancing feet evaded the Welsh defence and despite the efforts of the Welsh defence as he neared the try line, the loose forward reached out above his head as he fell backwards and placed the ball down. With Mourgue's conversion, the French led 6-0.

France doubled their lead six minutes before the interval when the Welsh defence couldn't prevent Mourgue getting away an offload ten metres out, and after Pelissier went within inches of a try, Goudemand picked up at dummy half and forced his way over.

Wales' hopes were dealt a blow at the beginning of the second half when France, now with the wind at their backs, send a skidding kick-off that was impossible for Fozard to deal with. From the set that followeed, Pelissier this time was good enough to get over the whitewash. Escare took over the kicking responsibilities from the tee with the same result - France led 18-0.

The hosts sensed an opportunity to put the game to bed and broke clear down the left in the next set, but Wales were grateful to have Yaha's pass called forward.

But far from buckle, Wales responded with their first attack of the half. The balls went into the hands of debutant Roberts and despite seemingly being engulfed by the French defence, the rangey centre got an offload out above his head and Butt had a simple task to score from five metres.

Just as Wales responded, so did the hosts. A quickfire double, first from Jullien and then Escaré and at 28-6 after an hour, the French held a dominant position.

It was a position they strengthened on 69 minutes when Bousquet charged onto a short ball close to the line and was too powerful for Wales to handle.

But Wales refused to give up, and when Anthony Walker offloaded from the tackle, ten metres out and in centre field, it afforded Elliot Kear the chance to loop a long pass right. Will Evans drew his man and put Grant in at the corner.