France took another step towards claiming the Six Nations championship when they survived a stirring Wales fightback to secure a 26-20 victory on Saturday that made it three wins out of three.
Intercept tries by Alexis Palisson and Francois Trinh-Duc plus two Morgan Parra penalties gave France a commanding 20-0 halftime lead at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales got back to 20-13 with 20 minutes left via the boot of Stephen Jones and a Leigh Halfpenny try but two penalties by France's replacement flyhalf Frederic Michalak reopened the gap and meant Shane Williams's sparkling try came too late.
France last won the Six Nations in 2007.
