A shot at a Grand Slam on home soil is the dream scenario for France according to coach Fabien Galthié after a fourth win in as many games.
Les Bleus are now just one win away from a first clean sweep since 2012 after a hardfought 13-9 win over Wales in Cardiff.
Anthony Jelonch’s early try set them on their way, with Melvyn Jaminet chipping in with eight points from the kicking tee.
And some sturdy defence saw them over the line at Principality Stadium, with Galthié explaining that his team would take the time to savour the win before turning their attentions to Round 5 and a home clash with England on Super Saturday.
He said: “The dream scenario is to win the games, Four wins after four rounds, that was our ambition. We have learned from the past, this is still a team in progress. We have managed to balance things in this competition in terms of our efforts. Four wins, that is what you dream of. Now we will turn our attention to the final match against England.
“It’s England, the finalists from the last World Cup, a huge rugby nation. We can’t make a mistake about our opponent. We have to start the preparation in a pleasant way, while enjoying this evening and this weekend. We will flip on Monday and prepare with our method and our conviction. There will be a match to play, as always.”
France started like a house on fire in Cardiff, with Jelonch going over after fine work from Jaminet as the visitors raced into a 10-3 lead.
Wales started to edge the kicking battle though as the first half wore on, cutting the deficit to one point by the break.
They were not able to find a way through the French defence though, with five steals at the breakdown proving crucial for Les Bleus, including two in the final few minutes.
And after a disrupted week in which France had a number of players who missed time due to illness, Galthié was pleased at the way they stuck it out.
Galthié added: “The key is to win, differently, agreed, but it’s good to win. The winning streak is the hardest thing to do, especially here against a very good tactical side. We had a week with the players suffering from the flu and we were hit by Covid. Despite a number of players missing time, the team came and got the win and that is important.
“We won five turnovers at the breakdown, while being disciplined and conceding just eight penalties. The know-how of our defensive line, with big tackles, good entries into the rucks and playing the ball, that’s a box that is ticked by the players collectively and individually.”
