It was a tough day for Welsh rugby fans as Wales fell 54-12 to a strong French side at the Principality Stadium, leaving supporters disappointed with a home crowd of only 57,744. Although outclassed by France, a few Welsh players stood out despite the scoreline.
Among the bright spots, Aaron Wainwright proved his worth yet again. The Dragons’ No 8 delivered a spirited performance, making 14 carries and 11 tackles. His upcoming move to Leicester Tigers might be the boost needed to elevate his game.
Eddie James, who had faced difficulties against England, showed improvement against France by delivering a solid defensive performance and giving Wales some much-needed momentum in the second half. Meanwhile, Dewi Lake, criticised for lineout issues against England, bounced back with a flawless performance in set pieces.
On the downside, the WRU faced a record low attendance for a Six Nations match in Cardiff. The team’s struggles highlight the urgent need for investment and restructuring within Welsh rugby.
Adam Beard had a day to forget, notably missing a key tackle and making a costly error that contributed to France’s commanding lead. As for half-backs Tomos Williams and Dan Edwards, their kicking precision left much to be desired, compounding the difficulties faced by the Welsh team.
The coaching team finds itself under immense pressure, having inherited a team at a low point and struggling without a specialist defence coach. With 42 tries conceded in six matches, it’s clear changes are needed, but the lack of experienced staff doesn’t make the task any easier. Wales faces a challenging road ahead, but with the right adjustments, there’s hope for a turnaround in fortunes.