But as James Hook was sin-binned for a dangerous late tackle and with France dominating at the breakdown, Wales whimpered to a 28-9 defeat – and Rees acknowledged his side were second best.

“It was very disappointing,” said Rees. “We knew it was going to be a tough ask [to win the Six Nations] and they dominated us up front.

“We knew they were strong at the ruck area and they challenged us there.

“I didn’t really see the James Hook sin-binning and having 14 men made it very difficult for us but to be honest the game was lost in the first half.”

Wales can reflect on a Six Nations campaign that began and ended with defeat but Rees believes his side can take heart from their three intervening victories with the World Cup on the horizon in the autumn.

“We believe that we are in a good place and we’ve managed to get three good wins,” added Rees. “But in this defeat to France we only have ourselves to blame and looking forward we need to make sure we put that right.”