Video
POST MATCH REACTION | Wales v France | 8 try France sweep Wales aside
Rugby
POST MATCH REACTION | Wales v France | 8 try France sweep Wales aside
Guinness Men's Six Nations›
Feb 15, 20269:4847.6K views
On a grim afternoon for Welsh rugby, Fabien Galthié’s new-look side delivered an eight-try blitz, securing their largest-ever victory in Cardiff and leaving Steve Tandy’s rebuilding project with plenty of work to do.
The French blitz
The contest was effectively over as a spectacle within the opening quarter. Captain Antoine Dupont set the tempo early, orchestrating a gorgeous opening try for centre Emilien Gailleton after just two minutes. By the eleventh minute, Louis Bielle-Biarrey had extended his record-breaking Championship strike rate, latching onto a pinpoint Matthieu Jalibert cross-kick to score in the corner.
The gulf in class was personified by the third try, as debutant inside centre Fabien Brau-Boirie showcased his Top 14 pedigree. Taking a swift pass after Bielle-Biarrey had danced around a static Welsh defence, the youngster glided past the cover to score his first international try on the hallowed Cardiff turf.
A brief Welsh resistance
Wales did find a momentary pulse in the 18th minute. Following a successful aerial contest by wing Ellis Mee, the hosts hammered at the French line. While lock Adam Beard effort was initially ruled held up, loosehead prop Rhys Carré used every ounce of his frame to rumble over from a quick tap penalty.
However, any hope of a comeback was extinguished by a litany of errors just before the interval. After winning a hard-earned turnover, Beard attempted a clearance kick that lacked both accuracy and space. The ball ricocheted directly into the arms of a grateful Jalibert, who strolled over for the easiest score of the match.
Total Gallic dominance
The second half was a showcase for the "Ramos and Bielle-Biarrey" show. Fullback Ramos demonstrated why he is considered one of the world's finest playmakers, executing a stunning overhead pass back to his winger to set up the first of two tries for Attissogbe.
As the Welsh defensive alignment grew increasingly narrow and disorganised, France exploited every inch of space. Hooker Julien Marchand powered over from a textbook maul, before replacement scrum-half Baptiste Serin sold a dummy that froze the Welsh chasers, allowing back row stalwart Charles Ollivon to crash over for France’s seventh.
Wales did manage a consolation score in the final moments as replacement back Mason Grady crossed following a series of drives, but it did little to mask the reality: Wales have now conceded 50 points in four of their last five home matches.
For France, the Grand Slam dream remains vividly alive; for Wales, the search for a defensive identity continues.
This is the official channel for the Guinness Six Nations - Rugby's Greatest Championship
