Wales suffered defeat in an historic first-ever test match against France.

The home side crossed for three tries in Carcassonne to earn the win, against a Welsh side which was led by Bethan Dainton for the first time and included six debutants.

Laureane Biville and Dorine Samarra got over for first half tries, with Perle Ramazeilles scoring the only points of the second period for France, with a late try for Georgia Taylor rewards for the Welsh efforts.

Thomas Brindle handed six players their Welsh debut. Ashlea Prescott, Taylor, Amy Price, Hannah Jones, Ffion Jenkins and Jasmine Gibbons all wore the red of Wales for the first time. 

Welsh errors in each of the first four sets with possession provided the host with an extended period attacking the Welsh line. Despite some heroic defence to keep the French at bay, ultimately the pressure told in the twelfth minute, with Laureane Biville scooping up a loose pass to open the scoring. 

Wales were still to complete a set within the first quarter and the weight of territory told once again when Dorine Samara dummied and went over from close range, with Pommier converting to give the French a 10-0 lead. 

An error strewn first-half continued, with neither side able to maintain a concerted period of pressure, meaning France went into the interval with their lead intact. 

The errors continued at the start of the second period, stunting the game from finding any real rhythm and keeping Wales behind on the scoreboard. Just shy of the hour mark, France were able to execute an attack, and as the rushing Welsh defence put pressure on the ball carrier, the home side showed good composure to get the ball into the hands of winger Ramazeilles who went over in the corner. 

Wales fought until the end, and after Norkett-Morgan went close in the left-hand corner, the ball was spread to the far side where Taylor scored. 

Wales 

Kathryn Salter, Eleri Michael, Lowri Norkett-Morgan, Ashlea Prescott, Georgia Taylor, Carys Marsh, Rhi Parker, Sara Jones, Amy Price, Katie Carr, Bethan Dainton ©, Charlie Mundy, Molly Reardon. 

Subs: Shaunni Davies, Hannah Jones, Ffion Jenkins, Jasmine Gibbons. 

France 

Manon Samarra, Margot Canal, Cristine Song Puch, Laureane Biville, Perle Ramazeilles, Mahault Pommier, Lauriane Canet, Elisa Akpa ©, Dorinne Sammara, Salome Segala, Ines Legout, Stecy Bessiere, Leila Bessalhi.

Subs: Alice Rieunaud, Sarah Menaa, Elodie Pacull, Justine Roses.