Hansen conceded that his side’s set-piece had to improve, should Wales wish to start getting on the right side of the results.

"You have to give credit to France - all rugby games are settled up front and they were just too big and too strong for us," he said.

"It’s hard to compete when your scrummage doesn’t function and you’re under pressure in the line-out, but that’s credit to France.

"It’s something we’ve been aware of for a long time but when you’ve got a pack who haven’t been together for a long time they need time to mature. It was a courageous effort to get within seven points."

But Hansen added that the improved overall fight shown up the Welsh players had atoned for their disappointing display against Ireland two weeks ago.

"I think pride has been restored - the team stood up and played the best they could and unfortunately was beaten by the better side," he said.

"We have to accept that and keep working to get better - there are areas which we know we can improve on.

"But we know it’s going to take time although we have shown that this team has progressed since last year.

"We are still a step down from the likes of England and the big guys but we are a lot more competitive.

"The Welsh public should get behind us. I believe that was a hell of a courageous effort out there today."

Meanwhile, France scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde looks set to miss his side’s encounter with Scotland on March 21 after limping off the pitch with a suspected hamstring tear.

But the Toulouse No.9 had the comfort of knowing that he had kept his country on course for a Grand Slam after raking up 24 points against the Welsh.

"I’m very happy for the team but not for me because I’m in pain," said Elissalde.

"It is a very good result for the team, very good for the tournament. I hope to play in the final game against England at the Stade de France, but to go to Scotland in two weeks will be very difficult.

"There’s still two hard matches to come and, even if we beat the Scots, I think the English will still be very good."

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