Ross Moriarty pounced for a dramatic late try to give Wales victory and a Rugby World Cup semi-final place at the expense of France.
Ross Moriarty went from villain to hero for Wales as Warren Gatland's team beat 14-man France 20-19 to reach the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
His 74th-minute try shattered the hopes of a France side who had looked like clinging on for victory after Sebastien Vahaamahina saw red for a disgraceful elbow into the face of Wales flanker Aaron Wainwright.
France scored a pair of tries inside the opening eight minutes and led 19-10 at half-time, with replacement Moriarty having spent a costly 10 minutes in the sin bin.
But Vahaamahina's moment of recklessness proved pivotal, with Wales eventually making their extra man count in a nail-biter - just as France did when beating the Red Dragons 9-8 in the 2011 semi-final at Eden Park.
This was a blood-and-thunder contest, with the emphasis on blood, plenty of which was spilled in a brutal contest.
France held a 19-10 lead when Vahaamahina made his shamed exit from the scene and had over 30 minutes to survive against a Wales side that beat them from 16-0 behind during this year's Six Nations.
Defiance is rarely portrayed as the great strength in French rugby, yet this time it looked like winning the day until Moriarty barged over from close range and Dan Biggar booted the points that nudged Wales ahead for the first time.
France had been terrific early on. Camped on the Wales line in the fifth minute, Jacques Brunel's team were rewarded when Vahaamahina scurried over.
They then broke with devastating pace and incision to plunder a second try. The ball moved sharply through the hands of Virimi Vakatawa and Romain Ntamack, on to Antoine Dupont and finally to flanker Charles Ollivon, who charged in under the posts.
Wales, jolted by the loss of injured centre Jonathan Davies minutes before kick-off, were in disarray.
However, a French gift presented them with a route back into the contest, captain Guilhem Guirado conceding possession in midfield to allow Wainwright a clear, if long, run to the line.
The 22-year-old with the hipster moustache seized the moment, Biggar landed the conversion and kicked a 20th-minute penalty.
Wales were suddenly just two points adrift, but it was damage limitation time when Moriarty, on for the injured Josh Navidi, was sin-binned for a neck-high tackle on Gael Fickou.
Virimi Vakatawa struck a swift blow, forcing his way over after a lineout, with Damian Penaud feeding him the pass.
Wales were grateful to be just nine points behind at the break. The game was still there, more so when Vahaamahina was banished in the 49th minute. Referee Jaco Peyper had no alternative - the lock a condemned man once television evidence highlighted his crime.
France dug in, even at times threatening to extend their lead, but Wales knew they would get a chance at some stage.
Moriarty was in the right place at the right time. The Welsh dream remains alive.
