Rugby Union: Brave show restores our pride and dignity2

WALES recovered their pride and dignity yesterday, if not a winning habit.

The result may have gone in favour of the French but this was an enormous improvement on the dismal display we saw in Dublin.

Where Wales had been soft and sluggish against Ireland they were aggressive and far sharper this time and with a bit more luck from the officials they could have sneaked victory in that amazing final few minutes.

I thought the back row played extremely well - Andy Marinos had a strong match, Rob Howley was busy and Stephen Jones kicked beautifully at goal.

But Wales still run down too many blind alleys in midfield and show a tactical naivety at key moments.

Had Jones been playing for Llanelli then I am sure he would have kicked for position from deep and asked his forwards to pile on the pressure.

Instead, Wales tried to play too much rugby near their own line. Having said that, this was a vast improvement with far more determination and confidence running right through the side.

France were rattled and there is certainly something to build on for the rest of the Six Nations. Steve Hansen is not a magician, but he has improved matters from the despair we felt two weeks ago.

With more time I feel Hansen can take this team further, as long as they improve their basics - especially the scrum and lineout.

But the most important aspect yesterday was winning the crowd rather than the match. The fans recognised effort and determination and, like the players, seem to have rediscovered their enthusiasm.

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