Wales v France, Six Nations 2022 player ratings: Taulupe Faletau impresses again but Paul Willemse steals show

France did just about enough to hold on the the hard-fought win in Cardiff. The visitors were under the cosh for most of the second half but hung on in there for the victory to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.

Telegraph Sport assesses who thrived and struggled at the Principality Stadium. 

Wales  15. Liam Williams

Gutsy in defence making a great tackle on Moefana to break French momentum with just over five minutes of the first half to play. An  unfortunate knock on close to the hour mark prevented Wales taking the lead. 7

14. Alex Cuthbert

The Ospreys wing continued signs of his renaissance as he sparked Welsh resistance with a lovely kick through when France where 10-3 ahead and did a good job of containing Villiere. 8

13. Owen Watkin

Gels really well with Biggar and Davies – did a very good job at frustrating France’s stellar backline. 7

12. Jonathan Davies

Ever present in both thwarting the French attack and led the Welsh defensive effort well. One can’t help but think his familiarly with Shaun Edwards' methods as defence coach allowed him to him to deal with the French so calmly. However, didn't make the most of a great chance to score in final 15 minutes. 7

11. Josh Adams

Looks so much more comfortable on the wing rather than as a centre – seemed to feed off Cuthbert’s confidence. Moved to outside centre for the final 15 minutes. 7

10. Dan Biggar 

Like all good captains, led by example – did well reading Jaminet’s kicks for territory in the second quarter. Ensured his side put pressure on the French back three. 8

9. Tomos Williams

Went off injured after 10 minutes - not enough time to judge performance. 

1. Gareth Thomas

Went off after 19 minutes for HIA but returned to the field for 30 minutes where he put in a valiant performance that contributed to the Welsh forwards grinding down their French counterparts. 7

2. Ryan Elias 

Solid in the first half. His work in the scrum and lineout helped to snuff out the French attack. 7

3. Tomas Francis

Another in the Welsh pack who put the French under pressure. Should take a lot of confidence from stopping this French pack. 7

4. Will Rowlands 

The second-row  was instrumental in causing France’s lineout troubles in the first half. 7

5. Adam Beard

Similar to Rowlands  in doing a fantastic job of putting the French lineout and players such as Woki under pressure. 7

6. Seb Davies

Played an important role in keeping both the French attack and lineout quiet for the first hour of the game. Good at the dirty work. 7

7. Josh Navidi 

Wales have a lot to look forward to with Navidi returned from injury. His relentless work, not one particular moment but incredibly consistent throughout the 75 minutes he played. 8

8. Taulupe Faletau

A world-class performance from the base of the scrum, he was relentless. His presence seemed to knock the French back row’s confidence. 8

Replacements

W Jones for G Thomas

R Moriarty for S Davies

K Hardy for T Williams, 10: The young scrum-half acquitted himself well after coming on after just 10 minutes. Good box kicks that troubled Les Bleus. Picked up a shoulder knock . 8

L Rees-Zammit for J Davies 

France 15. Melvyn Jaminet 

The full-back looks more experienced than his nine caps. However, Biggar made his life difficult and he shrunk as the match went on. 7

14. Yoram Moefana

Doesn’t have the same speed as Damian Penaud who had been starting on the right wing but after looking a little unsure under the high ball made some good ground. 6

13. Gael Fickou

The Racing centre has been hailed as France’s defensive captain thanks to the influence of Shaun Edwards. The Welsh seemed to break him down but stepped up in the final 10 minutes to help close out the win. 7

12. Jonathan Danty

It was difficult for the centre to be at his best with Biggar marshalling the Welsh so well and he could not get into the game. But he helped stop the Welsh in final quarter. 7

11. Gabin Villière

The former France sevens player who was injured the previous round made an immediate impact - his darting runs helped lead to France’s try. He defensively struggled as the first half went on. 6

10. Romain Ntamack

Like his half-back partner Antoine Dupont he couldn’t assert his usual influence in the first half due to excellent Welsh defence. Looked uncharacteristically nervy under one high ball just before the 50-minute mark, which led to a Welsh scrum. 7

9. Antoine Dupont

The reigning World Player of the Year could not influence his side in the later part of the first half. Great defensive work to stop Jonathan Davies just after the hour mark to inspire his side to an ugly win. 6

1. Cyril Baille

Gritty alongside man of the match Marchand but was not quite at his best – a big physical presence that caused difficulties for the Welsh. 7

2. Julien Marchand

Great work rate in the first half. Stepped up early in the second half before he went off to help the misfiring lineout and a scourge in the loose. 8

3. Uini Atonio

Uncharacteristic sloppy errors in the scrum in the first half. Another French player who lacked focus in the second quarter after a strong start. Substituted at 40 minutes. 6

4. Cameron Woki 

The 23 year-old was predicted by some to be player of the tournament – the Welsh did a good job of marking him so he could not show his true ability in the first half and was part of the malfunctioning lineout. 6

5. Paul Willemse

Despite the French lineout woes in the first half, the South African-born Montpellier lock provided stability particularly early in the second half. Key to keeping France in the fight. 8

6. François Cros

Fought a fierce battle with a rejuvenated Welsh back row. Far from his best but showed grit. 7

7. Anthony Jelonch

The Toulouse flanker scored the opening try. Made life difficult for Wales early on but looked to tire at the break down as the game went on. 7

8. Gregory Alldritt

The No.8 is very much part of the French spine and did his defensive work well but made a number of handling errors in the first half to give the Welsh territory. Seemed rattled. 6

Replacements

P Mauvaka for Marchand 53

M Haouas for Antonio, 40

T Flament for Woki, 65

D Cretin for Alldritt, 65