The 2025 Six Nations Championship kicked off on January 31 with much anticipation as France hosted Wales at the iconic Stade de France. The match marked the beginning of this prestigious tournament, and fans were eager to witness how each team would perform under the pressure.
France entered the match as clear favorites, bolstered by recent successes and the absence of major injuries. Having claimed the championship title just three years earlier, Les Bleus were poised to assert their dominance once again. Their squad was led by none other than scrum-half Antoine Dupont, often hailed as the world’s best rugby player. His presence on the pitch always signals strength and capability, especially after missing the last Six Nations to focus on the Olympics.
On the contrary, Wales faced the evening with heavy hearts and pressure levels boiling. With twelve consecutive losses under their belt, including every match played throughout 2024, the Welsh squad, under the guidance of head coach Warren Gatland, was grappling with significant challenges. The squad’s lack of recent victories, which saw them collect the wooden spoon last year, set the stage for what many deemed their most difficult encounter possible.
Some early highlights came as the match unfolded. Just minutes from kick-off, Dupont showed his prowess, nearly crossing the line multiple times, electrifying the crowd with his agility and control. Despite their rocky past, Wales managed to hold the French at bay momentarily. Yet the inevitable breakthrough for France came as young winger Théo Attissogbe stole the show, scoring the first try. Attissogbe, only 20 years old, made his mark on the opening night, punting over the try line seamlessly, putting France up 7-0 after Thomas Ramos converted.
By the first quarter mark, France had gained their footing, displaying confidence as they navigated the pitch with skillful passes and strategic plays. They quickly doubled their score with another try from Louis Bielle-Biarrey, solidifying their lead to 14-0. The French team continued to pressure the Welsh defense, showcasing their well-coordinated attack. Despite some commendable efforts from veteran players like Josh Adams and Liam Williams, Wales struggled to make significant advances.
Throughout the match, the frustrating reality for Wales was palpable. They introduced several promising players aiming to reverse their fortunes, but mistakes were frequent. A yellow card for Evan Lloyd after a review for a high tackle compounded their frustrations as they faced fierce opposition. The scoreboard reflected Wales’ uphill battle: France was able to orchestrate plays fluidly, consistently stringing together passes and creating scoring opportunities.
The halftime whistle brought relief for Wales, as they regrouped to address the tactical shortcomings observed during the first half. Warren Gatland emphasized the need for his players to maintain composure and strategize efficiently to respond to France's advanced playing style. With history hanging over his head, Gatland needed to rally his squad to shift momentum.
After the break, the second half saw no respite for Wales. Dupont maintained high energy as he orchestrated the French attack, effectively positioning his teammates for another score. A pass from Dupont led to another magnificent try from Attissogbe, which Ramos converted successfully, putting France up by 21-0.
With every follow-up score, the psychological pressures mounted on Wales, who looked increasingly at risk of extending their losing streak. The once-proud Welsh rugby team now faced the possibility of enduring another whitewash under the intense scrutiny of their fans and media. With such high expectations and questions surrounding their ability to compete, how could they salvage their season starting with such adversity?
Despite their struggles, the match carried significance for Wales’ rebuilding process. Gatland was attempting to experiment with young talent, potentially assessing squad members who could lead the team back to previous glories. The introduction of players like Dafydd Jenkins was seen not only as tactical acumen but as part of the overall strategic foresight for the long term.
Meanwhile, on the French side, the camaraderie and eagerness to play cohesively became increasingly evident as the match progressed. The base of their success relied on familiar talent—players who engaged frequently throughout the season not only bolstered their performance but elevated the anticipation for the games to come. Fabien Galthié, the French head coach, expressed confidence about the tournament dynamics before the opener, noting, “The opening game remains special, approached with caution and motivation.”
Wales, though suffering setbacks, still sought to reignite their spirit as the Six Nations tournament continued. Their next outing against Italy promises to be pivotal, as it could redefine their campaign, should they manage to secure their first victory. The pressing question remains—can they turn the tide and make the most of their opportunities?
With the opening match concluded, all eyes now shift to upcoming fixtures, where stakes are high, and every performance will shape the narrative of this year’s Six Nations. Rugby fans brace for what lies ahead, with the promise of explosive rugby anticipated across Europe.