Having established an early 17-0 lead, Wales really had no way back into the game and despite Sam Davies kicking 11 points and a late try from Luke Morgan, they were still handed left chastened by France's power play.

With no Top 14 action, France were able to name their strongest possible XV and it showed from the outset, despite the miserable conditions, as a period of pressure was capped by giant prop Jefferson Poirot barging his way over from close range. Scrum-half Eric Escande converted having added a penalty.

Wales were still reeling when Clermont flanker Julien Kazubek surged through under the posts for another converted try.

The home team slowly started to recover from the initial French blitz and after establishing some territory and possession an indiscretion at a ruck was punished by the boot of Davies.

A second Davies penalty on 35 minutes brought hope of a fightback but that was soon snuffed out as in the last play of the half when from a lineout set move, Escande sliced his way through the Welsh defence before converting his own try to give France a 24-6 lead.

Davies kicked his third kick shortly after the break after a morale-boosting penalty after the French front row had buckled at a scrum.

The relief though was temporary as France engineered a brilliantly-worked team try with wing Bastien Fuster going over in the corner.

There was though something for the Eirias crowd to cheer when Davies' chip bounced awkwardly for the French defenders but perfectly for Morgan to dot down his fourth try of the campaign.

The final word went to the visitors as replacement Darly Domvo capitalised on some tired Welsh defending to touch down. That helped secure France second place below England but above Ireland on points difference.