Gatland sprung a surprise when he selected Phillips, who has been fine form for Principality Premiership side Neath this season, in Wales senior squad for the RBS 6 Nations.

Now it is clear to see why the New Zealander rates the 19-year-old so highly as he made two and scored three in a six-try Welsh victory.

Phillips was not the only Welsh back to make his mark with Scott Williams, Dan Fish and James Loxton getting in on the act while Matthew Jarvis converted five kicks en-route to a 13-point haul.

Jean-Marc Doussain had given France the lead with a second minute penalty before Phillips used his dazzling footwork to breeze through the French defence. Jarvis added the extras,

France, who would enjoy the lion's share of possession throughout the game, were then denied a try of their own as Doussain was held up over the tryline.

Instead Phillips turned provider as he fed centre Williams who showed France scrum-half Jeremy Gondrand a clean pair of heels down the left-hand touchline.

Although Jarvis was off-target with the conversion, Wales headed into halftime with 12-3 lead and things would only get better after the interval as prop Gwendal Lamache was yellow carded for the visitors.

Jarvis notched a penalty and shortly afterwards Fish was able to capitalise on Phillips' chip-and-chase when he dotted down a loose ball despite French obstruction.

Phillips could do no wrong as he intercepted Gondrand's pass for his second try and in France's desperation to get back in the game Loxton picked off another errand pass for a long-range run-in.

France did cross through skipper Tanguy Molcard but the final word went to Phillips who wrapped up the victory and his hat-trick with another classy finish.