France began their Six Nations campaign with a resounding 43-0 victory over Wales, highlighting their status as tournament favorites. Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Theo Attissogbe both scored twice, while Antoine Dupont orchestrated France's attack with brilliance. Wales suffered their 13th consecutive Test loss and their first scoreless game since 2007.
France commenced their Six Nations campaign with a resounding 43-0 victory over Wales on Friday, showcasing their dominance as tournament favorites. Wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Theo Attissogbe each scored twice in a dominant first-half performance, setting the tone for a comprehensive win. France 's victory, however, was marred by a late red card for Romain Ntamack, leaving his participation in next week's clash against England uncertain.
\For Wales, the defeat marked a record-extending 13th consecutive Test loss, and their first game without scoring a single point since 2007, intensifying the pressure on coach Warren Gatland ahead of their upcoming match against Italy. \Les Bleus coach Fabien Galthie made headlines by selecting Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou on the bench for their first Test appearances since they were investigated over rape allegations last year. Both players, who were ultimately cleared, received a mixed reception from the 77,000 strong crowd. \Scrum-half Antoine Dupont, captaining the hosts after prioritizing seven-a-side rugby at the Paris Olympics last season, orchestrated France's attack with brilliance, providing three try assists. Wales, led by the veteran coach Gatland in his 150th game in charge, struggled to contain France's relentless pressure. \Despite an early flicker of hope from Wales, fueled by a free-kick at the first scrum, France quickly asserted their dominance. Dupont's pinpoint cross kick set up Attissogbe for the opening try, followed by Ramos's conversion that saw him surpass Christophe Lamaison as France's second-highest point scorer. \France continued to pile on the pressure, extending their lead through Ramos's deft pass to Bielle-Biarrey. Wales' hopes were further dashed when hooker Evan Lloyd received a yellow card for a high tackle on Bielle-Biarrey. Dupont's exceptional performance continued, setting up both Attissogbe and Bielle-Biarrey for their second tries, propelling France to a commanding 28-0 lead at halftime. \The second half saw a more subdued France, seemingly content with their substantial advantage. Wales, however, capitalized on this complacency, making significant inroads into France's 22-meter zone. However, a knock-on from Dafydd Jenkins thwarted their attempt to score. \As the game entered its final quarter, France made six substitutions, including replacing Dupont with Nolann Le Garrec. Julien Marchand and Emilien Gailleton added further tries to France's tally before Ntamack's high hit on Welsh No.10 Ben Thomas resulted in a red card, leaving France a man down. \In a fitting end to the match, Gregory Alldritt, the France No.8 and man-of-the-match, crossed the line for a try in the final minutes, solidifying France's dominant victory.
SIX NATIONS FRANCE WALES RUGBY LOUIS BIELLE-BIARREY THEO ATISSOGBE ANTOINE DUPONT FABIEN GALHTIE WARREN GATLAND
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