France's rugby team, the XV de France, opened their Six Nations 2025 campaign with a remarkable 43-0 victory over Wales at Stade de France on January 31, 2025. This dominant performance not only set the tone for the tournament but also showcased the depth and strength of the French squad.
From the outset, France displayed both consistency and aggression. The match found its tempo quickly, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Théo Attissogbe each scoring two tries, supported by additional scores from Julien Marchand, Emilien Gailleton, and Grégory Alldritt, who was later named man of the match for his all-around contributions. According to Franceinfo, "Les Bleus ont fait preuve de consistance en attaque et de solidité en défense," highlighting the team's strong showing both offensively and defensively.
Notably, the French took just 15 minutes to settle down before putting on a display of skill and strategy. A key moment came when the Blaireaux secured the bonus point by halftime, leading 28-0. The team seemed unstoppable, moving seamlessly through their offensive plays and putting the Welsh defense under relentless pressure. By the final whistle, the French had scored seven tries, marking one of their most convincing performances in recent memory.
While the match served as a showcase for the French offense, it was not without challenges. The lone blot on the match report was the red card issued to Romain Ntamack late in the game for what was deemed a dangerous tackle on Welsh fly-half Ben Thomas. This moment overshadowed the evening's proceedings, demonstrating the fine line between aggressive play and dangerous tactics. A report from francetvsport stated, "C'est un gros coup dur pour le XV de France," recognizing the potential repercussions for future competitions, especially as France prepares to face tougher opponents moving forward.
Wales, on the other hand, has found itself grappling with performance issues. Once proud and competitive, the Welsh squad has now faced 13 consecutive losses. They struggled throughout the match, unable to generate effective offensive plays against what seemed like an impenetrable French defense. Their frustration was palpable as they failed to score, marking another stark reminder of their struggle to regain form within the tournament. France's defensive prowess kept the Welsh on the back foot, leading to numerous missed tackles—26 missed compared to just 9 by France—demonstrated their lack of cohesion.
Antoine Dupont, who returned to the lineup after taking part in Sevens competitions leading to the 2024 Olympic Games, played only 50 minutes but made considerable offensive contributions, setting up many key scoring opportunities. Analysts noted his ability to orchestrate play effectively, reinforcing why he remains central to France's plans for both the Six Nations and future international matches.
Overall, the match showcased not only France’s skill and strategy but also raised questions about the future of the tournament. Supporters are excited, and many are optimistic about France's potential as they pursue a third consecutive Six Nations title. The evening's outcome has positioned the team as one of the favorites to win the tournament again, and their remaining matches will be closely monitored.
Looking forward, France's next challenge will come against England at Twickenham, where they will need to contend with the historic rivalry and the pressure of their formidable opponents. The French squad will need to navigate the aftermath of Ntamack's suspension as they prepare for the clash, ensuring the team remains focused and unified.
The 2025 Six Nations is shaping up to be both thrilling and competitive, and with France starting with such remarkable form, fans are eager to see if they can maintain this momentum through the weeks to come. It’s clear the team's talent is abundant, and their ability to execute under pressure will be tested as their campaign progresses.
France fans can take heart from this solid victory, but with tough matches looming, it’ll be important for the team to remain consistent and disciplined as they aim for the championship again.