WALES' Parc des Princes misery continued yesterday when France beat them 27-22 in the Five Nations rugby union tournament.
Hopes of ending their 22-year-old record of never having beaten France in Paris were swept away in a torrid ten minute spell at the end of the first half.
From being 10-7 ahead, after a 16th minute Ieuan Evans try balanced out second-row giant Olivier Merle's third minute touchdown, they suddenly found themselves going to the break with a daunting 10-20 deficit.
It was a bitter blow for the Welsh, who in the opening 20 minutes had looked likely to end their dismal record on this visit. But then French centre Richard Dourthe was helped off, clutching his dislocated right shoulder, his face grimacing in agony.
France, already forced to make five changes before the match because of injury, were forced to quickly reshuffle their three-quarters.
Christophe Lamaison, having a nightmare at fly-half switched to the centre and replacement David Aucagne, coming on for his first cap, replaced Lamaison.