In a thrilling yet tough match at Cardiff Arms Park, Wales came face to face with a formidable France in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. The girls showed grit from the get-go, going toe-to-toe with the team ranked fourth in the world. A 15th-minute penalty try for Wales set the stage, and by half-time, it was anyone’s game with scores level at 7-7.
However, the second half saw France take control, capitalising on every opportunity with impressive tries from captain Manae Feleu, wing Lea Murie, and scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus. Despite having the wind on their side, Wales struggled to retain possession and found themselves battling against a relentless French side. Gwen Crabb’s sin-binning for head contact added to the challenges, paving the way for Anais Grando’s two late tries to seal a dominant comeback for France.
Head coach Sean Lynn praised the immense effort and determination: “The grit and effort from the girls were exceptional. Playing against such a high-calibre team and standing our ground in the first half was commendable.” Captain Kate Williams echoed this sentiment, celebrating the team’s tenacity despite the result: “Proud of the girls for their grit and effort. France capitalised on loose play, but we’ve got a lot to take away from this.”
Though the scoreboard wasn’t in Wales’ favour, the match was a testament to the team’s resilience and spirit. The focus now shifts to building on these performances as the tournament progresses. Keep your heads held high, Wales! 💪🏉 #WalesWomen #SixNations #Rugby