France Overpower Wales in Emphatic Six Nations Victory in Cardiff
Les Bleus scored eight tries to secure a commanding 54-12 win over Wales, propelling them back to the summit of the Six Nations table. The match, held in Cardiff, saw France deliver a masterclass in carefree rugby, while Wales endured their 13th straight defeat in the tournament, deepening their ongoing misery.
Record Low Attendance Amid Turbulent Times for Welsh Rugby
The Principality Stadium witnessed swathes of empty seats, with an official attendance of 57,744—the lowest ever for a Six Nations fixture in Cardiff, falling below the previous record of 58,349 set against Italy in 2002. This reflects the turbulent state of Welsh rugby, as fans grapple with a string of disappointing performances.
France's Try-Scoring Spree and Defensive Dominance
France's try-scorers included Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Matthieu Jalibert, Julien Marchand, Theo Attissogbe (with two), and Charles Ollivon. Thomas Ramos added seven conversions, contributing to France's biggest Six Nations triumph in the Welsh capital. The visitors' attack was orchestrated by scrum-half Antoine Dupont and fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, who exploited Wales' porous defence.
Wales, under Steve Tandy, have now conceded over 40 points in five of their last six games, with a total of 34 tries and 248 points during his tenure. Their defence was breached within 90 seconds, as Dupont's clever pass set up Gailleton for the opening try. Despite rare tries from Rhys Carre and Mason Grady, Wales struggled to contain France's relentless pressure.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- France secured the bonus point just before half-time with Jalibert's unopposed run.
- After the break, Marchand scored on his 50th appearance for Les Bleus, capitalizing on their power game.
- Attissogbe's double and Ollivon's close-range effort highlighted France's attacking versatility.
- Wales' attempts to rally were futile, with Grady's late try offering little consolation.
This result leaves Welsh fans questioning when their fortunes will turn, as France celebrates a return to form and table-topping success.
