Home » Wales suffer heavy defeat as France dominate in Six Nations opener

Wales suffer heavy defeat as France dominate in Six Nations opener


WALES endured a chastening start to their 2025 Six Nations campaign, suffering a crushing 43-0 defeat against France at the Stade de France—their first scoreless performance in the competition since 1998.

The hosts ran in seven tries, four in the first half and three after the break, as they overpowered Jac Morgan’s side. Despite a resilient effort, particularly in defence, Wales struggled to match the physicality of the French pack and now face a daunting trip to Rome for their Round 2 clash against Italy, still searching for a way to end their 13-game losing streak.

Bright start quickly dims
Wales showed early intent in both attack and defence following Ben Thomas’s kick-off. They moved the ball fluidly across the field and defended resolutely, holding up French captain Antoine Dupont in the opening exchanges. Their scrum remained solid, but a marginal penalty against debutant hooker Evan Lloyd in the 12th minute foreshadowed the challenges ahead.

France’s relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 18th minute when Dupont’s cross-field kick found winger Théo Attisogbé in the corner for the opening try, expertly converted by Thomas Ramos. Five minutes later, Ramos turned provider with an overhead pass that allowed Louis Bielle-Biarrey to race over for a second, doubling France’s lead to 14-0.

Injuries and indiscipline prove costly
Wales’ fortunes worsened as early injuries disrupted their game plan. Aaron Wainwright was forced off in the fourth minute with a nasty cut, while Owen Watkin limped off with a knee injury midway through the first half. Tommy Reffell replaced Wainwright, while Dan Edwards came on for his debut, shifting Thomas to inside centre.

Further setbacks followed when Lloyd received a yellow card for a high tackle on Bielle-Biarrey in the 31st minute, leaving Wales a man down. France capitalised ruthlessly, with both Attisogbé and Bielle-Biarrey crossing for their second tries before the break. Ramos maintained his perfect record from the tee, sending Wales into the interval 28-0 down.

Defensive grit but no way back
Despite shipping four tries in the first half, Wales tightened up in the second, limiting France to three more scores. Their commitment was evident in their 188 tackles, but they struggled to contain the relentless French pack.

Head coach Warren Gatland reacted by replacing the entire front row five minutes into the half, bringing on Nicky Smith for his 50th cap. However, his opposite number, Fabien Galthié, made six changes soon after, injecting fresh energy into his forwards.

The fifth French try arrived in the 54th minute, with replacement hooker Julien Marchand powering over from a lineout. Winger Emilien Gailleton added another in the 68th minute, moments after stepping onto the field. Gregory Alldritt completed the rout in the 78th minute, bulldozing over from close range. Replacement scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec missed all three second-half conversion attempts, but the damage had already been done.

Late controversy as Ntamack sees red
The only blemish on an otherwise emphatic French performance was a late red card for Romain Ntamack, whose reckless shoulder charge to the head of Ben Thomas was upgraded from yellow following a review. Wales also saw Freddie Thomas sin-binned in the dying moments for an offside infringement.

With a heavy defeat behind them, Wales must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge against Italy, desperate to halt their alarming losing streak.

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