The Biarritz scrum-half took advantage of some slack Welsh defending from a scrum to dart over midway through the second half, and although the visitors came back strongly they could not deny Les Bleuets a fourth win in five matches.

France made the brighter start with an early penalty from Toulouse man Jean-Marc Doussain and led 9-3 when Welsh flanker Thomas Young was sin binned for persistent offending.

Having struggled to score despite the majority of possession, France finally crossed when Grenoble winger Marvin O'Connor bludgeoned his way through on the half hour.

Doussain converted before promising Welsh fly-half Matthew Morgan replied with a penalty as France went in 16-6 up at the break.

Morgan added another penalty after the break before Lesgourgues' try looked to have sealed it.

But France paid the penalty for some indiscipline when Pierre Julien was sent to the bin for not rolling away and winger Harry Robinson, a constant threat for the visitors, went over to set up an exciting finale.

Stade Français fly-half Jules Plisson fired over a drop goal and Jean-Pascal Barraque added another penalty but Morgan drew his side to within seven points with a penalty three minutes from time.

With the 80 minutes up Wales found themselves penned into their own 22 but after good work from the whole team they marched up the pitch only for Morgan to be stripped of the ball and a grateful Sebastien Bezy to kick the ball into touch.