Wales fought its way to a third Grand Slam in eight seasons Saturday, beating France 16-9 in a Six Nations match more notable for atmosphere than entertainment. France appeared to gain an advantage when it refused Wales' request to close the Millennium Stadium roof against the heavy Cardiff rain, but the home side weathered the conditions and the opposition. England's defense of its title ended with second place after its overhauled side powered to a 30-9 win over Ireland, which finished third. Scotland finished last after losing 13-6 to Italy. Sharks roar back In Durban, the Sharks came back from 17-0 down to beat defending champions Queensland Reds 27-22. South Africa's Sharks scored 20 unanswered points in just over 20 minutes to send Australia's Queensland to its first defeat of the season. Highlanders unbeaten Replacement flyhalf Chris Noakes kicked a 74th-minute penalty which clinched a 19-17 win for Otago over the Wellington Hurricanes in Super 15 rugby Saturday, leaving the Highlanders unbeaten after four rounds. All Blacks flyhalf Colin Slade had previously scored a try among 16 points for the Highlanders who had to stage a late rally to retrieve the lead. A 69th-minute penalty to talented rookie flyhalf Beauden Barrett had given Wellington a 17-16 lead with 11 minutes remaining. But Noakes' final goal from a difficult angle regained the lead and sealed the Highlanders' win. Force edges NSW In Sydney, fullback Dave Harvey, the nephew of Australian cricket great Neil Harvey, scored a try and kicked a conversion and three penalty goals as the Perth-based Western Force edged New South Wales 21-20. It was the Force's first win of the season in four matches while the Waratahs lost for the third time in four matches, their worst start to a Super season in 15 years.
