Only five years ago, victories over France were expected by the Welsh rugby public. How quickly things can change.
Nobody, outside of head coach Warren Gatland’s set-up, believed Wales could win this opening salvo to the 2025 Six Nations. In almost all quarters, a hammering was expected. And so, it proved.
The brutal statistics are that this, predictably, was a 13th straight Test loss for the men in red. While it was not a record Six Nations defeat, albeit only so by a single point, it was the first time Wales have failed to score in a Championship game since it was expanded from five to six teams in 2000.
Prior to this, Wales were last ‘nilled’ in any competitive match in Australia in 2007. The final outcome showed the gulf in class and international knowhow between the two sides. But in many ways, it could have been far worse for Wales.
Despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise, they were competitive at times. But what the game did show was that Gatland doesn’t have the physicality in his squad that is required to really trouble – let alone beat – the best teams in world rugby. Wales had plenty of possession, but they simply couldn’t break through.
What Gatland needs is some thundering forwards who are capable of crossing the gainline and therefore providing momentum. He is sadly lacking in that area right now.
Theo Attissogbe scored two tries as France thrashed Wales in the Six Nations opener
Antoine Dupont produced an encouraging display for France, who inflicted misery on Wales
Wales were left dejected as they were comprehensively beaten at the Stade de France
France weren’t at their peak. But they were still far too good for Wales, scoring seven tries, and how Gatland and his staff move forward from here is going to be difficult to say the least.
The turbulence experienced by some fanatical Wales fans on their Friday flight to Paris was nothing compared to the bumpy ride most presumed was coming their team’s way.
Welsh rugby supporters set out for Paris in hope, not expectation. The booze was certainly flowing, with most in agreement a stiff drink (or five) was needed to prepare. A raucous Stade de France stage faced Gatland’s young players.
It represented a significant step-up for the likes of hooker Evan Lloyd, fly-half Ben Thomas and wing Tom Rogers. France were without first-choice starters Charles Ollivon, Thibaud Flament, Gael Fickou and Damian Penaud, but the strength of their rugby ecosystem is the envy of every other nation. Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie can call on an array of talent, but his players started slowly.
Brilliant work from Tomos Williams and Rogers stopped Antoine Dupont from scoring almost instantly via a quickly-taken penalty. In the melee, No 8 Aaron Wainwright took a nasty blow and left the field, blood seeping from a head wound. Tommy Reffell, his replacement, immediately relieved the pressure on Wales by winning a breakdown penalty.
The opening 10 for those of a Welsh persuasion was undoubtedly positive, especially with such little pre-match hope. Gatland’s men showed intent and no little physicality. They had plenty of possession.
But, they were perhaps guilty of overplaying at times and from such a situation, France opened the scoring. Dupont kicked to wing Theo Attissogbe. Dupont’s vision and execution was unsurprising given his status as the world’s best. From there, Louis Bielle-Biarrey made it two.
All of a sudden, despite causes for cheer, Wales were 14-0 down. Gatland wasn’t helped by injuries. Centre Owen Watkin hobbled off, forcing Thomas – who had started well – to move from 10 to 12.Rookie fly-half Dan Edwards came on for a Test debut. Talk about a baptism of fire. Wainwright didn’t return.
It was a disappointing commencement to the Six Nations campaign for Warren Gatland’s side
Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored two tries during an impressive performance from France
Thomas Ramos contributed to France’s victory as his side got the better of Wales
Kieron Assiratti and Josh Adams (R) show their disappointment after Wales’ defeat
Lloyd was then sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Bielle-Biarrey and France put the game to bed. Dupont stepped Liam Williams with yet more outrageous class and put it on a plate for Attissogbe again before Bielle-Biarrey ensured both home wings ended with first-half doubles.
Gatland replaced his entire front row early in the second half in a bid to inject fresh legs and deal with France’s mammoth and superior physicality. Wainwright’s fitness blow and the absence here of Taulupe Faletau with a knee injury means Gatland has big problems at No 8 looking ahead to the round-two clash with Italy. That game is a must win for Wales.
Lose and Gatland will most likely depart at the Championship’s end with a second straight wooden spoon on the cards. In the other coaching box, Galthie knew the game was already over. Mercifully for Wales – but not for neutrals – he took off Dupont in a raft of substitutions, probably with the meeting with England in mind.
It didn’t stop one of Galthie’s new faces – hooker Julien Marchand – from being driven over for France’s fifth try. For the first time of the night, Thomas Ramos couldn’t convert. Wales captain Jac Morgan was now getting repeatedly warned for his team’s poor discipline. It was no surprise really given the pressure Wales were under.
It meant that not wanting to give up another yellow card, the away side’s competitiveness at the breakdown understandably wavered a touch. The result? Quicker French speed of ball. Another replacement, Emilien Gailleton, made it six. Then came a moment of drama which while not changing the result here, could have serious Six Nations implications. France fly-half Romain Ntamack was initially yellow carded with 10 minutes to go for a shoulder to the head of Thomas.
But the dangerous challenge was then upgraded via the bunker system to a red, meaning Ntamack is likely to miss his team’s game with England. The No 10 now faces a possible ban of two or three matches for his hit which is a real blow to France’s title ambitions. Even without Ntamack on the field, there was still time for the hosts to inflict one final blow to Wales with player of the match Gregory Alldritt completing the scoring.
