France opened their Six Nations campaign with a dominant win in Paris last week, consigning Wales to a record-extending 13th straight test match defeat. Warren Gatland’s beleaguered Dragons would likely not have chosen to kick off their campaign against a France side in such fine fettle; the result was a brutal capitulation that underscored the great gulf in class between the two teams, but the one bright side is that at least now it’s out of the way.
For all their toil, this was a Wales side that always looked hopelessly outgunned as the French ran out 43-0 winners with seven tries. Wales are collecting unwanted records like vinyl addicts at a car boot sale at the moment. For the side that last won in October 2023, Friday’s result is the first time in Six Nations history that we have been held scoreless. It is also the first time Wales had finished pointless since losing 31-0 to Australia in 2007.
Having now lost seven successive Six Nations games to France, it’s easy to see why Wales have slipped to 80-1 outsiders for the Six Nations title. On the basis of current form, a second successive Wooden Spoon looks a far safer bet. Wales have only two wins in their previous 16 games in the tournament so next weekend’s match in Rome is huge, both to get the “monkey off their back” as Gatland put it after the France game, and to ensure fears of a whitewash fail to materialise.
Gatland might have wanted to celebrate his 150th game in charge but there can only be commiserations for the New Zealander. True, there were some positive signs for Wales in among all this woe and misery as the scrum held up pretty well against the French pack, but in most areas of the pitch Wales were hopelessly outclassed, with France able to cruise home in the second half. So untroubled were the French, they even had the luxury of resting key players with inspirational scrum half and captain Antoine Dupont withdrawn after just 49 minutes. Who knows what damage might have ultimately been inflicted had Dupont been allowed to continue his masterclass.
The last time Wales won the Six Nations was coincidentally the last time that they won in Paris. Back in 2019, Wales opened their Six Nations campaign against France with a remarkable second-half comeback to seal victory and kick off a stunning journey to an eventual Grand Slam. Sadly, in the interim the French have opened up a gaping chasm in class between the two sides, and this opening game did little to banish the negativity that has swallowed up Welsh rugby of late.
Commentators have been quick to point the finger at Gatland, comparing his stellar record from his first stint in charge with the sorry reading that makes his second. Tactics and selection may play their part, but one reason the French have moved streets ahead is because their players come through in a system designed to develop homegrown rugby talent. Compare that to Wales, where the WRU relies on just four academies to produce players, while around 100 youth teams have closed over the past two decades, and there is a lack of a vibrant and competitive youth structure, and you can see why the ability to identify and nurture talent has been lost. The consequences of neglecting the youth pathways to the professional game are now being seen at all levels of Welsh rugby.
Wales desperately need a result in Rome against an Italy side who themselves lost their opening game, albeit following a spirited away performance at Murrayfield against Scotland. Stemming the tide of defeats and building some positive momentum are crucial if Wales are to show any progress this tournament. For Wales fans, we’d just like something to cheer about again.
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The above is accurate as at 04 February 2025. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
