15 October 2011
Wales made a valiant effort and deserved the victory but they were held back by a controversial red card which was given to Sam Warburton in the first half. They fought bravely in the face of a brutal French defensive line but kicking errors cost them on the day.
Hook opened the scoring a few minutes in and Wales held an early three point lead. But they were hit with an early blow as on form Adam Jones departed with an injury. But the misery continued for Wales. Sam Warburton dump tackled Vincent Clerc - Alain Rolland controversially red-carded the Wales captain and ruined what was set to be a fantastic semi-final encounter.
Wales fought hard but France took the lead as Parra converted two penalty goals. That's how the first half ended, but Wales would look to regroup and move on from Warburton's sending off ahead of the second half.
But confident Welsh scrum-half, Mike Phillips, flew across the French try line and reduced their lead to 9-8. Stephen Jones' conversion hit the post but Wales were still in contention.
Later on, Leigh Halfpenny saw an opportunity to use his distance kicking skills but his attempt fell inches short and with little time remaining it looked as though Wales' chances were in jeopardy.
80 minutes were up and a 15 phase attack from Wales was finally flawed, France regained the ball and cleared it to touch, sending them into the final.
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Facts:
HT Score: 9-3 to France
FT Score: 9-8 to France
Scrum Five's MOTM: Toby Faletau
Facts:
HT Score: 9-3 to France
FT Score: 9-8 to France
Scrum Five's MOTM: Toby Faletau
