WINLESS WALES FALL TO FRANCE

WALES coach Sean Lynn was encouraged by his side's much-improved performance as their winless Women's Six Nations campaign continued with a 42-12 defeat in Brive.

- BEN JAMES

First-half tries from Kate Williams and Gwen Grabb gave Wales hope of coming away from France with something unlikely - having lost their last eight matches against France in the competition.

However, the Grand Slam-chasing hosts simply had too much - even if they didn't fire on all cylinders.

As for Wales, they'll be able to take plenty from another defeat - although they ultimately departed France with nothing after conceding six tries.

Lynn said: "The girls felt really confident at half-time, the coaching staff too, and we've got to take that as a positive because you're coming out here in front of an amazing crowd, in an amazing stadium and we are competing with France.

"The wind was taken away from our sails with that (second-half) disallowed try, but we've got to learn how to get back control, how to get back into territory because we're getting in some really good areas.

"Overall, I asked for them to be brave and for work rate and that's what the girls did today."

Wales need little reminder of the threat of France - given they've suffered some heavy defeats in this fixture in recent years.