French Leave Wales Floundering

Wales continued their recent dismal run with against Six Nations opposition with France winning convincingly 38-21 in Paris yesterday. Yes, it was a “friendly” but the gulf in class and power was there for all to see. It was quite reminiscent of those European Champions Cup encounters between the Welsh regions and the French, English and Irish teams.

As always, Wales tried their damnedest till the end but this French side with Sean Edwards glowering in the wings was not about to let this slip as they might of in the past.  Wales did get off to a dream start with an early try and penalty giving them a ten point lead. The rest of the first half was given up to the French showing what they can do once they get a bit of momentum in attack. The speed and power left the Welsh defence floundering as they scored three converted tries to lead 21-10.

The second half was quite scrappy with both sides being guilty of losing possession through handling errors and penalties. Wales briefly closed the gap but, with Biggar missing a few crucial kicks at goal, never got within touching distance. Wales did manage a close range try from Smith but the French countered with two further tries to run out clear winners at 38-21.

So where did it all go wrong? France are clearly a much improved team and have managed to combine flair and power in attack with a strong defence. They will give any side in the world a run for their money as they build up to their home Rugby World Cup. Wales seemed a bit undercooked and are still appear to be searching for a style that suits them under the new coaching regime. The once virtually impregnable Sean Edwards defence has gone and Wales are leaking points alarmingly. In attack they are not firing despite having some fine attacking players in their ranks. With Halfpenny running into brick walls from defence, and the ball being passed on like a hot potato it all seems a bit chaotic.

Yesterday Wales were overpowered at the breakdown and fallible under the high ball which led to their downfall against a French team that seized their opportunities with glee. Of course, the players have not played much since the lockdown and they will surely improve against Scotland next week but the signs are not good. A losing streak is notoriously difficult to end and Scotland look to be building a strong squad. They will surely fancy their chances of beating Wales.

The Welsh management have some serious thinking to do if they are to arrest the decline in the Welsh fortunes. I cannot imagine that there will be wholesale changes but I think a bit more bulk in the pack is essential.

Wales and Scotland are not in contention for the Six Nations Championship nor thankfully for the Wooden Spoon. France, Ireland and England will be battling out for the spoils next weekend. While England can be expected to secure a bonus point win against Italy, the game between France and Ireland should be a cracker. A bonus point win for Ireland will secure the title but other than that it will be down to the mathematicians to decide the champions. The Barbarians’ shenanigans have denied England a run out this weekend but I still think they will crowned Six Nations Champions.

I did watch Ireland v Italy and Exeter v Wasps but did not feel particularly inspired by either. Exeter did what they do in a close encounter and ground out a win. Ireland brushed Italy aside just as Scotland brushed Georgia aside the previous evening. A match between Italy and Georgia would be interesting.

So on to next weekend. Can Wales pick themselves up and end this pesky losing streak? I certainly hope so.

Come on Wales!