However such a performance failed to materialise at the Stade de France with the home side once more unable to repeat their impressive autumn performances on the RBS 6 Nations stage.

France beat Australia, Argentina and Samoa in the autumn internationals, however it was Wales – despite their own recent troubles – that emerged victorious.

The match hinged on a try from George North, expertly collecting and touching down a Dan Biggar chip through, late on.

Wales’ other points came from the ever-reliable man-of-the-match Leigh Halfpenny – who kicked 11 points – while two Frederic Michalak penalties were all France had to show for their efforts.

Victory for the Welsh was their first in nine Test matches while defeat leaves France bottom of the RBS 6 Nations pile ahead of a trip to Twickenham in a fortnight’s time.

“Losing at home is not good, but you cannot expect to win if you cannot convert your opportunities,” Dusautoir said.

“If we can't score when we have the ball then there is always the risk of the other team scoring.”