France delivered a masterclass in attacking rugby to overpower Wales 54-12 in a one-sided Guinness Six Nations encounter at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The emphatic victory, built on eight tries, propelled Les Bleus back to the summit of the championship table, while Wales were condemned to a 13th consecutive Six Nations defeat, extending a period of profound misery for the host nation.
A Record Low Attendance Amid Welsh Woes
The official attendance was recorded at 57,744, the lowest crowd for a Six Nations fixture in Cardiff, dipping below the previous record of 58,349 set against Italy in 2002. Swathes of empty seats painted a stark picture of the turbulent times currently engulfing Welsh rugby, with fans seemingly voting with their feet.
French Flair on Full Display
France transformed the Test match into an exhibition of carefree, expansive rugby. The try-scorers were Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Matthieu Jalibert, Julien Marchand, Theo Attissogbe (with two), and Charles Ollivon. Fly-half Thomas Ramos was impeccable from the tee, adding seven conversions to secure France's biggest ever Six Nations triumph in the Welsh capital.
The visitors' dominance was established almost immediately, exploiting Wales's porous defence which has now conceded 34 tries and 248 points under coach Steve Tandy. Inside 90 seconds, a delicious pass out of the back of the hand from scrum-half Antoine Dupont sent Attissogbe and Ollivon charging through, with Gailleton on hand to finish.
Jalibert and Dupont Pull the Strings
While Dupont had a relatively quiet game by his own exalted standards in France's opening win over Ireland, he orchestrated proceedings brilliantly alongside the outstanding Matthieu Jalibert. Jalibert's game management and precision kicking were instrumental. One inch-perfect kick picked out winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey for his 23rd try in just 24 Tests.
Jalibert then broke through the Welsh line himself to put supporting Pau centre Fabien Brau-Boirie over for a debut score. France secured the bonus point on the stroke of half-time when Jalibert pounced on a fluffed kick from Wales lock Adam Beard to race over unopposed.
Brief Welsh Respite Overwhelmed
Wales offered rare moments of resistance. After sustained pressure and several phases of recycling, prop Rhys Carre barged over from close range, with Dan Edwards adding the conversion. Replacement back Mason Grady also crossed for a late consolation try.
However, these were mere interruptions in the French onslaught. After the break, France turned to their formidable power game, with hooker Julien Marchand scoring on his 50th cap from a driving maul. The flair returned soon after, with Bielle-Biarrey keeping the ball alive on the touchline for Attissogbe to scamper over on the opposite wing. Attissogbe then collected a Jalibert kick to the corner for his second, before Ollivon delivered his trademark close-range try.
A Sobering Reality for Wales
This heavy defeat marked the fifth time in six games under Steve Tandy that Wales have conceded over 40 points. For the beleaguered Welsh fans in attendance, it was another sobering day that will inevitably lead to questions about when, or if, the team's fortunes can be turned around. In contrast, France's statement victory firmly establishes them as serious title contenders with their blend of power and panache.
