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Harris impressed despite defeat

Image: Iestyn Harris: Massive positives

Winger Rhys Williams played down becoming Wales' all-time leading tryscorer during his side's 28-16 defeat by France.

Wales boss sees potential in young side

Winger Rhys Williams played down becoming Wales' all-time leading tryscorer during his side's 28-16 defeat by France. Williams' landmark achievement came through two tries at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham but the 22-year-old said he would gladly have exchanged it for victory for his nation. "I'd rather have not scored and the team win than break the record and team lose," said the winger who is currently on loan from Warrington to Castleford. "I'm delighted with the tries but I would have preferred the win." Coach Iestyn Harris, the previous record holder, said there were many positives in his inexperienced side's performance after they made France fight all the way. "We're disappointed because it's a Test match, he said. "We feel could have won but there were massive positives for the future of Welsh rugby league.

Tough game

"There were a lot of guys unavailable who will be available at the end of the year but the young guys stood up and showed they're ready for international rugby. "We're on a journey to the World Cup and beyond and I think we're in a pretty good state. "If you take Jordan James and Christian Roet out, everyone is under the age of 25 and we had some 17 and 18-year-olds who stood up well against an experienced French side." France caretaker coach Aurelien Cologni said: "It was a tough game for us but we knew beforehand that it would be. "This is a new team for us and I'm very pleased with the young players we brought in."

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