Six Nations 2015: Wales back in title hunt - George North

Wales wing George North says they are still on course to win the Six Nations after beating France in Paris.

The 20-13 win reminded North of 2013 when they began with an opening loss to Ireland and went on to win the title.

Wales's 2015 challenge began with 21-16 defeat by England and was followed by beating Scotland 26-23.

"It's quite exciting. It's like 2013... we lost the first game [then] and we are still fighting for the championship," said North.

Fly-half Dan Biggar went over for Wales' try and full-back Leigh Halfpenny kicked five penalties as they beat France for a record-equalling fourth consecutive time.

Warren Gatland's side find out on Sunday if unbeaten Ireland will visit them on 14 March with a Grand Slam still in their sights after hosting undefeated England on Sunday, 1 March.

North, who missed Wales' triumph in Murrayfield after failing to pass concussion protocols following two head knocks against England, added: "The boys were tight, we stayed together and brought home a strong performance today.

"To come out here and get a win is great for our championship hopes."

No matter what the Ireland-England outcome in Dublin, New Zealander Gatland hopes Wales will go to Italy in the tournament's final round with a title challenge still possible.

That means Wales must beat Ireland when they meet in Cardiff.

Gatland said: "We have a good record against France. I thought the forwards were sensational.

"We scrummaged well, the line-out was good and I thought we deserved to win.

"The next game is massive against Ireland at home and hopefully we will play Italy on the final day with the championship alive."

Gatland said Wales's composure and experience "got us over the line" while their France-based players - Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies and Luke Charteris - rose to the occasion.

He said: I think we grew and matured as a team a heck of a lot tonight.

"I think the advantage was that our French-based players were able to give an insight into a number of the French players, having been team-mates or played against certain players.

"I think for the Welsh players based over here in France it was probably as much them wanting to prove their worth and value and the reason why they are over here.

"In terms of that self-motivation, it was wanting to perform.

"I thought some of Jamie Roberts' carrying was excellent, the goal-kicking of Leigh Halfpenny was potentially the difference, and Luke Charteris was outstanding defensively in line-outs and rucks.

"I thought there was an edge about those players, and they did a good job for us."