Wales’ run of eight successive RBS 6 Nations wins ground to a halt as France positioned themselves for a major title challenge by winning 21-16 on home soil.

Tries by flanker Thierry Dusautoir and wing Cedric Heymans meant Wales suffered a first loss since Italy beat them 23-20 in Rome 23 months ago.

Jones though, attempted to remain upbeat, with a second title in a row still up for grabs following a Lee Byrne try, eight points from the boot of Stephen Jones and a late James Hook strike.

“We have to get over this quickly,” he said. “It’s not going to be pretty viewing, and it will be tough for some individuals, me included, but that’s Test match rugby. There is no hiding place.

“But we’ve still got a Triple Crown and a championship to play for.

“We were beaten by the better team, but we will come back stronger from this.”

Full-back Byrne’s 25th-minute try and Stephen Jones’ points haul put Wales 13-3 up, but after a Morgan Parra penalty, Dusautoir’s converted try just before half-time brought France level.

And that was the key period in the match, according to Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“When we were 13-3 up, we needed to be smarter,” he said. “We wasted a chance for a try, we gave away a penalty for 13-6 and made four mistakes in row to concede the try.

“We were disappointed to go from 13-3 to 13-13, and that was where the game was lost. We have no excuses - the better team won.

“I was pretty happy with how it started, but you have to give credit to France.

“Some of their collision stuff was good, and they played a simple, very direct game. They deserved to win.

“They were more desperate than we were, were playing under pressure and that galvanises the team.

“But sometimes you need a kick up the backside to see how you respond.”

Wales now head to Rome in a fortnight’s time, knowing victory over Italy at Stadio Flaminio would keep alive their title hopes.