Crowds gather for Grand Slam bid

In pictures: Fans' Grand Slam excitement

Thousands of rugby fans have descended on Cardiff to watch Wales' bid to be crowned Grand Slam champions for the second time in four years.

Around 75,000 filled the Millennium Stadium for the showdown with France.

A free big screen display at the city's civic centre went ahead despite rain but did not attract a capacity crowd.

A couple who met while watching Wales' Grand Slam win in 2005 were married in the afternoon, with their guests wearing Wales rugby shirts.

Michelle Lewis and Matthew Edwards, from Merthyr Tydfil, tied the knot at the town's registry office.

Their reception at the Castle Hotel included a big screen to watch the game, which kicked off at 1700 GMT.

The Welsh team were led out by Manon and Gwenan Gravell, the young daughters of late rugby legend and broadcaster Ray.

Wales are hoping to top their Triple Crown victory

The stadium roof was closed for the game and Cardiff was lashed by rain throughout the day.

The weather kept down audience numbers at the big screen outside the city's civic centre.

Thousands turned out for a similar event when Wales beat Ireland in the Grand Slam decider of 2005.

A full road closure was in place in Cardiff city centre from 1500 GMT with some staying shut until 2100 GMT.

St John Wales volunteers, including 140 first-aiders, eight nurses and six doctors, carried out one of their biggest deployments outside Christmas and New Year.