From late morning yesterday Cardiff simmered.

As  rain gave way to white clouds, followed by late afternoon sunshine, as each hour passed  more and more Blue and red filled the city, it’s bars, its cafes, its restaurants and its museums.
The match, in effect, was a shoot out, whoever was left standing would be primed to move forward with a chance of taking the 2016 RBS 6 Nations title, and the loser left to rue what might have been.

In France’s case a win over Wales and  they would be only two games away from a Grand Slam, whilst Wales with a win under their belt, could travel to Twickenham for another shoot out, this time against England.

These great gladiators were used to title showdown in the 1970s, when Rives and Skrela came to town, and Gareth and Phil strutted their stuff to bring Grand Slams to Wales in 1976 and 1979.

The roof mechanism failed so the cold Cardiff night air permeated the stadium, the heat from the flame throwers was a welcome comfort.

The match was not a classic, but Wales never really looked likely to lose.

Two periods in the second half won the game for the men in red, the first eight minutes of the second half when Wales scored a penalty and a converted George North try, to take a lead of 16-3.

Later France spent fourteen minutes in Wales 22, but failed to register a score, after heroic defence from the home side, and much shrill whistle blowing from Wayne Barnes.

A 79th minute try from Guirado made the scoreline look more respectable but the honours on the night belonged to Wales