France's Rugby Dominance Deepens as Wales Suffers Record Six Nations Defeat
Wales endured another humiliating chapter in their rugby history, falling 54-12 to a rampant France in the Six Nations. This result marks Wales's 13th consecutive defeat in the tournament, a painful statistic that underscores their ongoing struggles on the international stage.
The match, held at the Principality Stadium, saw France score eight tries by the hour mark, with the game effectively over long before the final whistle. Despite a late consolation try by Mason Grady, converted by Louis Rees-Zammit, and a solid set-piece performance, Wales were comprehensively outclassed in every department.
Young French Stars Shine in Dominant Display
France's victory was built on the brilliance of their young three-quarter line, all under the age of 23. Théo Attissogbe was particularly imperious, scoring two tries and orchestrating much of the attack. He was ably supported by Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who at just 22 years old, showcased his exceptional talent with a try and creative play.
The centre pairing of Émilien Gailleton and Fabien Brau-Boirie, both making their mark after injuries to more experienced players, scored within the first 15 minutes. Brau-Boirie, a 20-year-old debutant, has already drawn comparisons to French legend Yannick Jauzion for his size and skill.
Wales's Defensive Woes Exposed
From the opening minutes, Wales were unable to contain France's fluid attack. The first try came within 90 seconds, with Gailleton finishing off a slick move involving Antoine Dupont, Attissogbe, and Charles Ollivon. France's ability to exploit space was evident throughout, as seen when Bielle-Biarrey caught a cross-kick from Mathieu Jalibert with ease, leaving the Welsh defence stranded.
Shaun Edwards, France's defence coach and a former Welsh coach during their successful era, must have watched in disbelief as his current team dismantled his homeland. Wales's tactical kicking, such as Adam Beard's scuffed chip, often backfired, leading to further French opportunities.
Empty Seats Reflect Welsh Rugby's Dark Times
The official attendance was just under 60,000, but the stadium felt emptier as the match progressed, with rows of seats visibly vacant. This contrasted sharply with the loud support from travelling French fans, highlighting the growing disillusionment among Welsh supporters.
As France celebrated their eighth try by Ollivon on the hour mark, the gap between the two teams seemed insurmountable. With France burning brightly and Wales mired in a losing streak, these are undoubtedly challenging times for Welsh rugby, with no immediate relief in sight.
