George North scored the only try of the match in a 16-6 win – Wales’ first in the French capital since 2005 – with two Frederic Michalak penalties all Saint-Andre’s side had to show for their efforts.

Either side of an impressive autumn campaign that saw victories over Australia, Argentina and Samoa, France are now without a win in five RBS 6 Nations matches.

There were few obvious chances in a cagey encounter at the Stade de France but les Bleus were very much in the match at 6-6 until North struck with just eight minutes to go.

And while Saint-Andre believes some aspects of his side’s performance were better than in the defeat to Italy in Rome six days previous, he conceded that France will not be getting their hands on the RBS 6 Nations trophy next month.

"It is a difficult time for us - we know we can't win the Six Nations anymore," he said.

"It was most frustrating. Our defence went better this week, but we had the opportunities to score and did not convert them, whereas Wales scored from their only opportunity.

"Wales were very aggressive in the rucks and tackles, and we lost the ball many times. When we won turnovers we were not able to use the ball properly.

"Wales were the better team. They were clinical - they had one chance and they took it. They never gave up after losing eight games in a row, and they got their reward.

Back-to-back defeats sees France bottom of the table after Scotland defeated Italy in the earlier game and les Bleus will head to Twickenham to face England in two weeks’ time, looking to get their campaign up and running.

And Saint-Andre insists his side must meet that challenge head on.

"We are at the bottom of the Six Nations, but we must not give up and we need to play with more precision,” he added.

"We must not be scared. England at Twickenham is a fantastic challenge. You can fight for pride and show desire, and we need to do that in two weeks' time."