Wales overhaul France to reach semis after Vahaamahina red card

Reuters - Ross Moriarty scored the winning try as Wales exploited their numerical superiority to rally for a 20-19 victory over France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (October 20) after French lock Sebastien Vahaamahina had been shown a red card. France roared into a 12-0 lead after eight minutes. Vahaamahina bundled over for the first score before Damian Penaud set his backline moving and eventually sent flanker Charles Ollivon over. Wales got on the scoreboard when Aaron Wainwright scooped up a dropped ball to gallop between the posts for his first international try. But Moriarty was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle and while he was off France got their third try, Penaud unloading a diving pass to centre Virimi Vakatawa who ploughed over the line. With France leading 19-10, Vahaamahina elbowed Aaron Wainwright in a maul and was sent off, forcing his side on to the defensive. Dan Biggar closed the gap to 19-13 with a penalty but France held on until the 74th minute when Moriarty grabbed a loose ball and forced his way over the line. Biggar converted and Wales controlled the remaining minutes to record their eighth win in the teams' last nine meetings - and by far the most important. Wales will face either South Africa or Japan, who meet later on Sunday.