Wales 12-54 France: Les Bleus score eight tries and breach 50 points in Six Nations demolition of hosts in Cardiff

Charles Ollivon scored one of eight tries as France destroyed Wales in Cardiff

France cantered to a 54-12 victory over a poor Wales side as their quest to secure a Six Nations Grand Slam and retain their title continued in Cardiff on Sunday.

Fabien Galthie's charges scored eight tries, as centre Emilien Gailleton, wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, ⁠debutant centre Fabien Brau-Boirie and fly-half Matthieu Jalibert crossed in the first half.

The second half proved much the same as hooker Julian Marchand, wing Theo Attissogbe (two) and lock Charles Ollivon add further tries, with full-back Thomas Ramos kicking seven conversions.

Wales had narrowed the deficit to 19-7 during the opening half through a Rhys Carre try, but a sucker punch before the break knocked further stuffing out of them before France ran riot once more.

The 54 points racked up by France in the Welsh capital breaks their previous record of 51 scored in 1998. The defeat was the fifth time in six games under Steve Tandy that Wales have conceded over 40 points.

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Wales suffered another heavy defeat and remain without a Six Nations win since 2023

There were swathes of empty seats in the Principality Stadium amid turbulent times for Welsh rugby.

The official attendance of 57,744 was the lowest in Cardiff for a Six Nations fixture, fewer than the previous smallest crowd of 58,349 against Italy in 2002.

Wales had conceded 34 tries and 248 points under Tandy, and that porous defence was breached inside 90 seconds.

Antoine Dupont's delicious pass out of the back of the hand sent Attissogbe and Ollivon charging through, and Gailleton was on hand to take the try-scoring pass.

France's Emilien Gailleton scored the opening try of the Test after just 90 seconds

Dupont had a quiet game by his high standards in France's opening victory over Ireland, but the scrum-half orchestrated matters alongside the outstanding Jalibert.

With the Wales defence sucked in, Jalibert's inch-perfect kick detected Bielle-Biarrey for the winger's 23rd try in 24 Tests.

Superb wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored again for France, notching their second

Wales were unable to catch their breath and Jalibert broke through again to give supporting Pau centre Brau-Boirie a debut score.

Debutant centre Fabien Brau-Boirie also got in for a first-half France try

There had been simply nothing for home fans to shout about, but Wales responded by recycling the ball through several hands and Carre barged over from close range and Dan Edwards converted.

Normal order appeared to be restored when Attissogbe gathered Dupont's clever chip, but the winger was in front of the scrum-half and in an offside position.

Rhys Carre got over for Wales as they responded in the first half, but their respite was brief

France bagged the bonus point on the stroke of half-time as Jalibert punished Adam Beard's fluffed kick to race over unopposed.

Player of the match Matthieu Jalibert scored the bonus-point try for France just before half-time

There was no let-up after the break as France turned to their power game and Marchand was the beneficiary under a pile of blue-shirted bodies on his 50th Les Bleus appearance.

Bielle-Biarrey then kept the ball alive on the touchline and Attissogbe popped up on his opposite wing to scamper over.

The Pau flyer was celebrating again after collecting Jalibert's kick to the corner and Ollivon delivered his trademark try from close range.

Wales had the final word through replacement back Mason Grady, but it was another sobering day for Welsh fans who will be wondering when their fortunes will be turned around.

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Tandy: We need to keep building - there is no quick fix

Wales head coach Steve Tandy conceded post match there is 'no quick fix' for his side's limitations

Wales head coach Steve Tandy to BBC:

"I didn't think we threw many punches last week. We had moments in this game, the set-piece and scrum was excellent, we could have scored a few more tries.

"Ultimately we're disappointed with the end to the first half. At 19-7, it would have been a good moment and a chance to change things.

"It's part of the journey we're on. There was more to see in terms of where we can go with that performance.

"France, in fairness, the athletes they have across the board, when we kicked too far or there was an offload, they came alive. You tip your hat to them too.

"For us, it's transitioning. The scoreline is not where we want to be, but it's where we are in the journey. We need to keep building, it's not a quick fix."

Lake: We were better than last week but still so much to work on

Wales captain Dewi Lake to BBC:

"We were a lot better than last week, but there's obviously massive work ons in our game.

"We were largely inaccurate in that final third. I do think we are more positive than last week, but still the scoreline is what it is.

"It's always a privilege to put the jersey on, that will never change, the morale probably comes from the scoreboard, which is the disappointing thing.

"We were largely disappointed with what we showed on the pitch last week, we'll probably be a bit happier with what we put on the field this weekend. But there's a lot to work on.

"I completely understand they are a world-class team, but we have got to be better than that as well.

"We've got to excite people and get them to want to watch us."

Edwards: We're a good team to watch - people get their money's worth

France defence coach Shaun Edwards:

"We're very good to watch, I know that! If you pay to watch the team, you'll get your money's worth.

France defence coach Shaun Edwards said fans get their money's worth watching his side

"Romain Ntamack has had an injury and we wish him well in his recovery, and Matthieu Jalibert has come in and been absolutely outstanding, both in attack and defence. You always want competition for places.

"I'm the defence coach, and the players prefer to attack! But everyone knows in the big games you have to defend well. I was very pleased with only 12 points today.

"Mobility in terms of getting Charles Ollivon and Mickaël Guillard into the second row, as well as the power. There's give one way and the other. The selection has been very good."

Jalibert: A pleasure to play with so many talented players

Player of the match Matthieu Jalibert to BBC:

"I'm very pleased to play with so many talented players.

"I want to congratulate all the forward players who give us a great effort and space for opportunities."

France centre Emilien Gailleton to BBC:

"We saw him [Jalibert] in the Top 14 and he does the same in the blue jersey. An outstanding performance, with lots of offensive stuff, amazing kicking."

What's next?

Wales next host Scotland in Round 3 of the Six Nations on Saturday February 21 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (4.40pm kick-off).

France face Italy at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille for their third Six Nations clash on Sunday February 22 (3.10pm kick-off).