Welsh pièce de résistance

FRENCH rugby has plumbed new depths following a second stunning Six Nations defeat at the Stade de France on Saturday that has left the nation feeling ‘‘offended’’, ‘‘battered’’ and ‘‘humiliated’’.

Inspired by half back duo Rob Howley and 28 point Neil Jenkins, Wales triumphed 43 35 for their first back to back wins in Paris for 44 years to condemn the French to a barrage of shocking criticism.

And the most damning verbal blast came from none other than Bernard Lapasset, president of the French Rugby Federation, who said: “French rugby is battered, wounded, offended. And even humiliated.’’ French coach Bernard Laporte reacted angrily to the defeat when he made sweeping changes in naming a 27 man squad yesterday for a training camp next week.

Laporte axed five of the players involved in France’s second successive home loss to the Welsh at the Stade de France on Saturday. Fullback Jean Luc Sadourny, replacement fly half Christophe Lamaison and forwards Christophe Juillet, Christophe Moni and Serge Betsen have all been discarded, along with replacement scrumhalf Philippe Carbonneau.

Newcomers Alexandre Audebert and Christophe Milheres, back row forwards who have been in good form for the French A side this season, were named in the squad to train at La Teste for four days from tomorrow.

France opened the tournament with an unimpressive 16-6 win in Paris over Scotland, but crashed 22-15 to Ireland at Lansdowne Road in their second match before another unconvincing display in Rome where they beat whipping boys Italy 30 19. On Saturday Graham Henry’s Wales stunned Les Bleus with three second half tries as they built on the momentum created by Rob Howley’s thrilling solo effort towards the end of the first period.

Not since 1957 have France been beaten twice running on home soil by Wales, but a succession of errors and missed opportunities combined with an inspirational second half effort by the visitors sent French rugby spiralling to new lows.

Neil Jenkins confirmed his place among Welsh rugby’s all time greats with a stunning and then left everyone guessing about his international future. If speculation becomes reality, and Jenkins quits the Test match scene after this summer’s Lions tour to Australia, then Wales coach Henry faces a mission impossible trying to replace him. Jenkins bagged 28 points a try, two drop goals, three penalties and four conversions — as Wales won an amazing match and recorded first back to back Paris victories for 44 years.

The Cardiff fly half’s 78th minute drop goal and injury time converted touchdown left French morale in tatters just a fortnight before their next Six Nations appointment — England at Twickenham.

And should Jenkins — who passed 1,000 points for Wales on Saturday — call it a day sooner rather than later, he will leave an enormous void.

Lapasset added: ‘‘Can we still talk about a French team tonight? No. There wasn’t any team, neither mentally or selection wise, neither in the players’ capacity to behave as real rugby men.

‘‘The French team has no right to be as mediocre as that. Can we still like the players tonight? I’m not so sure.

‘‘This team doesn’t show us enthusiasm, nor pleasure, nor joy, nor happiness. It does not have a soul.’’ Leading French players have spoken recently of their envy at the way the English game has improved, while in France they have gone backwards.

Clive Woodward’s side are now admired for their expansive 15 man game, running in a record number of Six Nations tries with two games still left to play, while the French are one dimensional.

French team manager Jo Maso said the call for wholesale changes was not the way forward.

Next up for France is a trip to Twickenham where a rampant England lie in wait.

‘‘It is not the moment to send young players to the front line in three weeks’ time in England. We must not panic.’’