Dragons duo Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty grabbed the tries as Wales produced a comeback of epic proportions to overcome a rampant France to earn a semi-final berth in the Rugby World Cup.
Eight years ago a red card to Sam Warburton ended Welsh hopes in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand against France.
In the latest encounter, it was Sebastien Vahaamahina’s dismissal for an elbow to Wainwright’s face which changed the course of the match.
France were in control having safeguarded their 19-10 halftime lead but Vahaamahina, who put his side on the front foot with an opening try in the fifth minute, struck the Dragons flanker’s face with his elbow, just as France were searching for try to extend their lead.
Wales were galvanised and got back into the match with Dan Biggar kicking a penalty and despite being behind all match, the self-belief suddenly lifted the tempo and Wales hammered into 14-man France.
Les Bleus tenaciously held on until six minutes from time when Tomos Williams stripped the ball and Justin Tipuric clutched the ball and got to within inches of the tryline.
Moriarty, who had received a yellow card within 90 seconds of coming on as a replacement for Josh Navidi, made amends to plunge over.
With Biggar’s conversion, Wales took the lead for the first time in the match and clung on to reach the semi-final in Yokohama next weekend.
