Wales suffered a humiliating 54-12 defeat to a dominant France in the Six Nations at Principality Stadium, highlighting ongoing struggles with fan apathy and poor performance.

Low Turnout Marks Dark Day for Welsh Rugby

A crowd of 57,744 attended the match, the lowest for a Wales men’s Six Nations game at the venue. Large sections of empty seats underscored financial pressures on the Welsh Rugby Union amid plans to reduce domestic teams to three, including ending the Ospreys’ existence. Trains and pubs in Cardiff remained unusually quiet, as local supporters stayed away.

In contrast, French fans arrived in force, with 31 flights landing at Cardiff Airport from France. Chants of ‘La Marseillaise’ and ‘Allez Les Bleus’ dominated the atmosphere, turning the stadium into a home-like environment for the visitors.

France’s Mesmerizing Display Overwhelms Wales

France struck first after just 98 seconds, as captain Antoine Dupont delivered an outrageous pass for Emilien Gailleton to score. Louis Bielle-Biarrey soon added a trademark try, stepping past Dewi Lake in spectacular fashion.

Fabian Brau-Boirie marked his Test debut with a third try, leading 19-0 after 16 minutes. Wales responded briefly with Rhys Carre’s try, converted by Edwards, but momentum swung back decisively.

Matthieu Jalibert intercepted a misjudged kick from Adam Beard to score, then Bielle-Biarrey sliced through again. Julien Marchand and Theo Attissogbe (twice) piled on, with Charles Ollivon completing the rout. Ramos added seven conversions.

Wales grabbed a late consolation through Mason Grady, but the damage was done. Referee James Doleman (New Zealand) oversaw the one-sided affair, with Jalibert named player of the match.

Wales’ Winless Streak Continues Amid Turmoil

Despite improved discipline from their England loss, Wales appeared outclassed. Players like Ellis Mee and Louis Rees-Zammit showed promise, but fleeting moments couldn’t stem the tide.

Legendary figure Sir Gareth Edwards watched pitchside, following a tribute to the late JPR Williams. Wales now face a winless Six Nations run extending into a third straight championship.

France, boosted by England’s earlier slip, showcased scalpel-sharp precision and power. Their title defense looks unassailable, with Grand Slam questions lingering.

Match Facts

Wales: Tries: Carre, Grady. Cons: Edwards (2).
France: Tries: Gailleton, Bielle-Biarrey (2), Brau-Boirie, Jalibert, Marchand, Attissogbe (2), Ollivon. Cons: Ramos (7).
Attendance: 57,744
Star Man: Matthieu Jalibert (France)