Jenkins rues lack of possession

Wales boss Gareth Jenkins admitted his side's possession was insufficient to win the game following their 32-21 RBS 6 Nations Championship defeat to France.

France limited the Welsh possession and Jenkins rued his side's lack of discipline during their long periods in defence, which allowed David Skrela to boot five penalties.

He said: "We defended for too long and we are too generous with our discipline. We are giving away penalties which is putting us under more pressure. We need to have the discipline not to give penalties away."

He added: "But I thought the rest of our game was robust.

"France were good. They delivered the game I expected of them. They chased well, they have good organisation and they take their points effectively.

"But we have come here and been competitive and we have given them a game."

Nevertheless, Wales still fell to their fourth straight Test defeat, their third in this season's Six Nations.

With Italy winning in Scotland, Wales are now rooted to the bottom of the table and face a desperate battle to avoid the wooden spoon. But Jenkins is confident his men can make further improvements and beat the Italians in Rome in a fortnight's time.

"We were poor two weeks ago but with the right type of training and focus we are capable of playing well. I think we have done that," he told BBC2. "We wanted to win, simple as that.

"We wanted a performance and I think we've done that but we haven't got the win.

"I'm satisfied we've actually turned a corner. We haven't won but, at the same time, there is improvement."