To score three tries in Paris is no mean feat and will boost confidence despite the defeat.

Wales started very well - just as they had to given they were so short of confidence. They hadnt scored a try in two games so had to be positive.

The players really took the game to France and forced mistakes but the problem was the lack of possession.

At half-time, the Wales tackle count was around 56 compared to 23 by the French, which showed France were winning possession more often than not, and that took its toll. Wales understandably tired towards the end.

Much as Gareth Jenkins tried to change things, Wales could not get back into it and France were in overall charge.

There were some heroic performances in defence, notably from Alix Popham, Ian Gough and Tom Shanklin, and the tries by Shanklin and Jamie Robinson were very well crafted.

Wales will have gained in confidence ahead of the trip to Rome. Italy will head into that game on a high after their win at Murrayfield.

The Italian pack was tremendous in the set-piece - it is up there with the best. If Wales can compete in that area, they have the ability to unlock the Italian defence.

And Shane Williams should have got another couple of games under his belt by then, and Shanklin too has been short of rugby, so that bodes well.