WALES survived a nailbiter against 14 – man France to reach the Rugby World Cup semi -final.
The French appeared to be in control of the game before Vahaamahina was sent off for a vicious red card on Wainwright.
Here are Alex Bywater’s ratings from the thriller in Oita.
15 Liam Williams
Reliable as ever and always looking to attack.7
14 George North
Some miraculous defense, but needed the ball in his hands more.6
(Owen Watkin) *****************
Came in at short noticve for injured Jon Davies and proved he is a star in the making.8
12 Hadleigh Parkes
Ran straight and hard, but never reached the heights of earlier games.6
11 Josh Adams
Wales biggest threat with in pool matches, but never got the ball in hand.6
10 Dan Biggar
Cool, calm and effective. Kicked his goals perfectly.7
9 Gareth Davies
Flew up in defense a couple of times to snuff out the French, but little chance in attack.6
1 Wyn Jones
Stood up well to the French front row powerhouses.6
2 Ken Owens
Popped up all over the field and always drove hard into the French in attack and defense.7
3 Tomas Francis
Strong performance all round. Met the French head on.7
4 Jake Ball
Powerhouse performance from the Scarlets lock as he carried hard and hit even harder in defense.7
5 Alun Wyn Jones
Always in the thick of the action as he urged on his troops. Another inspirational effort.7
6 Aaron Wainwright
Welsh star of the tournament. Bagged his first test try to get his side back into things.8
7 Justin Tipuric
Couple of great turnovers and always an attacking option out wide.7
8 Josh Navidi
Left early with a worrying hamstring injury to leave Wales short of a ball carried.6
REPLACEMENTS
16 Elliot Dee
Late replacement for Ken Owens.5
(Rhys Carre)
Thrust into the cauldron and survived.6
(Dillon Lewis)
Added vital energy when he came on.6
Hosts want fairy-tale journey to continue by shocking Springboks again
(Adam Beard)
Good line-out option and maul operator.6
20 Ross Moriarty
Yellow card and then vital try – Zero to hero.7
(Tomos Williams)
Massive impetus when he came on.7
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