Despite scoring three tries – including two for Amy Evans – Wales Women lost 39-19 in Brive on Saturday to end their Six Nations campaign in fifth place.
Jessy Tremouliere contributed 19 points as France Women finished their own tournament on a high in Brive with a bonus-point win.
Full-back Tremouliere was impressive with the boot and also scored the last of her side’s five tries as France finished third behind England and Ireland against spirited Wales, who touched down three times.
Wales scored the game’s opening try through number eight Shona Powell to go 5-3 ahead, but two Tremouliere penalties and lock Audrey Forlani’s touch down gave France a 13-5 lead at half-time.
The Welsh line was breached again three minutes into the second period through centre Caroline Ladagnous, but Wales hit back through tighthead prop Amy Evans to trail 20-12.
France moved 27-12 ahead when wing Caroline Boujard went over, and although Evans scored her second try to reduce the arrears to 27-19 on the hour-mark, the home side touched down again through Patricia Carricaburu and Tremouliere.
