France defeated underdog Wales 54-12 in Cardiff on Sunday as they look to win the Six Nations Grand Slam and retain their title.
They scored eight tries in the first half with crosses from center Emilien Gailleton, winger Louis Biel-Bialley, debut center Fabien Blau-Boily and fly-half Mathieu Jalibert, with Fabien Galthie attacking.
The second half was more of the same, with hooker Julien Marchand, winger Theo Attisogbe (two goals) and lock Charles Ollivon adding further tries, and full-back Thomas Ramos converting seven times.
Wales had narrowed the gap to 19-7 in the first half thanks to Lys Carre’s try, but a powerful punch before the break put them even further behind, with France running wild again.
France’s 54 points in the Welsh capital beat their previous record of 51 in 1998. It was Wales’ fifth defeat in six games under Steve Tandy, conceding 40 or more points.
Wales suffered another heavy defeat, leaving them without a Six Nations win since 2023.
The Principality Stadium was empty during a tumultuous time for Welsh rugby.
The official attendance of 57,744 was the lowest for a Six Nations match in Cardiff, and was lower than the previous lowest of 58,349 for the match against Italy in 2002.
Wales had conceded 34 tries and 248 points under Tandy, but their impenetrable defense was broken within 90 seconds.
A great pass from the back of his hand from Antoine Dupont sent Atissogbe and Ollivon charging forward, with Gailleton waiting to receive the try-scoring pass.
France’s Emilien Gailleton scored the first try of the Test after just 90 seconds.
In France’s first win against Ireland, Dupont had a quiet game of a high standard, but the scrum-half, along with the outstanding Jalibert, orchestrated the problems.
With the Welsh defense drawn in, Jalibert’s inch-perfect kick found Biel-Bialley, making it the winger’s 23rd try in 24 Tests.
Great winger Louis Biel Bialley scores again for France, scoring his second goal.
Wales were unable to catch their breath and Jalibert broke through again to give Pau center Blau Bowery his debut goal.
Debut center Fabien Blau-Boisly also scored a try for France in the first half.
There was nothing to shout about from the home fans, but Wales responded by recycling the ball in multiple hands, with Carre charging in from close range and Dan Edwards scoring.
Normal order appeared to be restored when Atisogbe collected a clever chip from Dupont, but the winger was in an offside position in front of the scrum-half.
Lys Carre hit back for Wales in the first half, but the respite was short-lived.
France earned a bonus point just before half-time as Jalibert punished Adam Beard’s fluffy kick and won unopposed.
Player of the match Mathieu Jalibert scores a bonus point try for France just before half-time
The momentum continued after the break, with France turning into a power game and Marchand benefiting from his 50th appearance for Les Bleus under a pile of blue-shirted bodies.
Biel-Bialei then kept the ball on the touchline and Atissogbe ran out to the opposite wing and jumped over it.
The Pow Flyers celebrated again as they collected Jalibert’s kick into the corner and Ollivon scored a trademark try from close range.
Wales made the final decision through substitute back Mason Grady, but it was another somber day for Wales fans wondering when their fortunes would turn around.
Tandy: We need to keep building – there are no quick fixes.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy admitted after the game that there is “no quick fix” to his team’s limitations.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy told the BBC:
“I don’t think we threw a lot of punches last week. We had chances in this game, our set pieces and scrums were great and we could have scored a few more tries.”
“At the end of the day, I’m disappointed with the way the first half ended. 19-7 would have been a good moment and a chance to change things.
“This is part of the journey we’re on. There was more to see in terms of where we could go with that performance.
“To be fair, France, their players as a whole, when we kicked too much or had offloads, they came alive and you take your hat off to them.
“For us, it’s a transition period. The scoreline isn’t where we want to be, but it’s where we are on the journey. We need to keep building. It’s not a quick fix.”
Lake: Better than last week, but still a lot to work on.
Wales captain Dewi Lake told the BBC:
“We were much better than last week, but obviously our game needs massive work.
“The last third was hardly accurate. I think it’s more positive than last week, but the scoreline is still where it is.”
“It’s always an honor to put on the jersey and that will never change. Maybe the morale comes through on the scoreboard, which is unfortunate.
“I was mostly disappointed with what I showed on the field last week. I’ll probably be a little more satisfied with what I showed on the field this weekend. But there’s a lot to work on.
“We know they are a world-class team, but we have to be even better.
“We need to get people excited and want to see us.”
Edwards: We’re a team to watch – people get their money’s worth.
French national defense coach Sean Edwards said:
“We’re very good to watch, we know that! If you’re going to pay money to watch a team, it’s well worth it.
France defense coach Shaun Edwards says fans deserve to see his team
“Romain Ntamack is injured and we wish him well. Then Mathieu Jalibert came in and was really outstanding both in attack and defense. “You always want to compete for places.
“I’m a defense coach and my players like to attack! But we all know that in big games you have to defend well. I was very happy with just 12 points today.”
“Mobility and power in terms of having Charles Ollivon and Michael Guillard in the second row. Either way, there are concessions. The selection was very good.”
Jalibert: It’s an honor to play with so many talented players.
Player of the match Mathieu Jalibert on the BBC:
“I’m very happy to be able to play with so many talented players.
“I would like to congratulate all the forward players for giving us a lot of effort and space to give us chances.”
French center Emilian Gayleton on the BBC:
“We saw him (Jalibert) in the top 14 and he’s doing the same in the blue jersey. An outstanding performance with a lot of attacking elements, great kicks.”
What’s next?
Wales host Scotland in the third leg of the Six Nations at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday 21st February (4.40pm kick-off).
France will face Italy at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille on Sunday 22 February (kick-off 3.10pm) in their third Six Nations fixture.
