Cardiff, Wales – France delivered a dominant performance against Wales on , securing a resounding 54-12 victory in their Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The win solidifies France’s position at the top of the tournament standings and continues their quest for a Grand Slam and title defense.
The French side showcased an impressive attacking display, scoring eight tries throughout the match. Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Matthieu Jalibert, Julian Marchand, Theo Attissogbe (with two tries), and Charles Ollivon all crossed the try line for Les Bleus. Thomas Ramos added to the tally with seven successful conversions.
Wales managed to score two tries of their own, through Rhys Carre and Grady, with Edwards converting two attempts. However, it was a stark contrast to the French performance, highlighting the significant gap between the two sides. The defeat marks the fifth time in six games under Steve Tandy that Wales have conceded over 40 points, raising concerns about the team’s current form.
The match also saw a record points total for France against Wales, surpassing their previous high of 51 points scored in 1998. This victory underscores France’s growing dominance in European rugby and their ambition to remain a leading force in the international game.
France’s head coach, Fabien Galthié, opted to rest captain Antoine Dupont before the hour mark, a testament to the confidence he has in his squad and the comfortable lead they had established. This strategic decision allowed for rotation and provided valuable game time for other players.
Despite the comprehensive victory, Galthié expressed a desire for further improvement. “There is always something to improve,” he stated, emphasizing the need for continued refinement and focus as the tournament progresses. He indicated that the team will not become complacent and will strive for even higher standards in their upcoming matches.
The game unfolded with France taking control from the outset, demonstrating their attacking prowess and clinical finishing. Wales struggled to contain the French onslaught, and their defensive efforts were repeatedly breached. The first half saw France establish a significant lead, with tries from Gailleton, Bielle-Biarrey, Brau-Boirie, and Jalibert. Wales’s attempt to narrow the gap with a try from Carre was quickly countered before halftime, further diminishing their hopes.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with France adding further tries through Marchand, Attissogbe (who scored twice), and Ollivon. Ramos’s consistent kicking accuracy ensured that every try was converted, adding to Wales’s mounting woes.
The defeat for Wales comes at a difficult time for the nation’s rugby program, which has faced challenges both on and off the field in recent years. The team’s struggles to compete with the top sides in the Six Nations raise questions about the future direction of Welsh rugby and the need for significant investment and development.
France’s next challenge will be against Italy on , at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. This match presents an opportunity for France to further solidify their position at the top of the Six Nations table and continue their pursuit of a Grand Slam. The Italians, however, will undoubtedly pose a stern test, and France will need to maintain their high level of performance to secure another victory.
The result in Cardiff is likely to have wider implications for the Six Nations championship. Ireland remains the only other undefeated team in the tournament, setting up a potentially decisive clash between the two sides in later rounds. The outcome of that match could well determine the ultimate winner of the 2026 Six Nations.
For Wales, the focus will now shift to rebuilding and addressing the issues that contributed to this heavy defeat. The team will need to find a way to regain their competitive edge and restore pride in Welsh rugby. The road ahead will be challenging, but with hard work and dedication, Wales can hope to return to the top of the Six Nations in the years to come.
