Six Nations: Wales women 10-8 France women

Wales women earned their first win over France since 2008 with a battling defensive performance in a narrow victory in Neath.

Dyddgu Hywel's third-minute try allowed Wales to reach half-time level, with a pushover from Safi N'Diaye the only reward for French forward domination.

A brilliant try finished by Wales prop Megan York proved crucial.

Wales also confirmed their place for the 2017 World Cup as Scotland now cannot overtake them.

Wales got off to a flying start, as full-back Hywel sped past her marker on an arcing run from the 22 to score after only three minutes.

France created a golden chance for winger Caroline Boujard who dropped a cross-kick with the line open, but number eight N'Diaye levelled after 15 minutes with a pushover effort.

Wales women celebrate their opening try

Robyn Wilkins pushed a 30-metre penalty shot wide for Wales before the French forwards took control, with Wales just managing to hold up them on the line twice.

The injury-time loss of lock Shona Powell-Hughes to a yellow card for not retreating from a penalty was a blow for Wales, and France took the lead after 45 minutes when Audrey Abadie was on target with a simple penalty with her fourth shot at goal.

But Wales produced the move of the match as wing Bethan Dainton's long break from defence saw Elen Evans on the other flank send York charging down the touchline for a memorable score.

Wales were pinned in their own 22 for long periods of the final quarter as France threw on their replacements in search of a breakthrough, but a magnificent defensive performance held the visitors out.

Wales Women: Wales Women: Dyddgu Hywel; Bethan Dainton, Hannah Jones, Robyn Wilkins, Elen Evans; Elinor Snowsill, Keira Bevan; Megan York, Carys Phillips, Catrin Edwards, Shona Powell-Hughes, Rebecca Rowe, Rachel Taylor, Sian Williams, Sioned Harries

Replacements: Amy Price, Cerys Hale, Amy Evans, Siwan Lillicrap, Alisha Butchers, Jenny Hawkins, Kerin Lake, Adi Taviner

France Women: Julie Biles, Caroline Boujard, Elodie Poublan, Lucille Godiveau, Lara Delas, Audrey Abadie, Yanna Rivoalen; Lise Arricastre, Gaelle Mignot (c), Julie Duval, Audrey Forlan, Celine Ferer, Pauline Rayssac, Laetitia Grand, Safi N'Diaye.

Replacements: Agathe Sochat, Arkya Ait Lahib, Romane Menager, Julie Annery, Laure Sansus, Camille Imart, Coralie Bertrand, Patricia Carricaburu.