France opened their 2025 Six Nations campaign with immense flair and authority against Wales, showcasing their rugby prowess with a stunning 43-0 victory at the Stade de France. This dominating performance not only marked the team's ambition under the guidance of coach Fabien Galthié but also set the tone for their expectations throughout the tournament.
The match commenced with France establishing control from the very first whistle, creating opportunities to score early on. A potent kick from Thomas Ramos secured good positioning within Wales' 22-meter line, and the French team was quick to exploit this advantage. Though their initial attempt to score was thwarted, the pressure they applied was relentless.
At the 17-minute mark, the French side finally broke the deadlock. A brilliant kick from renowned scrum-half Antoine Dupont set up Théo Attissogbé, who dashed forward and triumphantly scored the first try of the match. With Ramos successfully converting, France surged to a 7-0 lead. Just minutes later, their growing momentum led to another score as Louis Bielle-Biarrey, celebrated for his speed and skill, crossed the try line; once more, Ramos converted, extending the French lead to 14-0.
France's relentless assault continued; Théo Attissogbé added his second try at the half-hour mark, bringing the score to 21-0 thanks to another conversion by Ramos. The winger, Bielle-Biarrey, concluded the first half on high spirits by scoring yet another try just before the halftime whistle, making the score 28-0.
Following the interval, France maintained their intensity. Julien Marchand was the next to score following strong teamwork, but Ramos missed the conversion, bringing the tally to 33-0. Nevertheless, the home team did not relent. Emilien Gailleton’s effort at 68 minutes solidified their dominance, increasing the score to 38-0. The final act of defiance came from Grégory Alldritt, who scored yet another try just before full-time, finishing the match at 43-0.
The French team's performance reflected both tactical brilliance and physical supremacy over their Welsh counterparts. Wales struggled to respond effectively throughout the game, facing immense pressure from the aggressive French defense. The scoreboard, displaying the final score of 43-0, served as testimony to France's control and skill on the pitch.
The turnout at the Stade de France was extraordinary as fans celebrated the team's dominant display, solidifying their status as fierce contenders for the Six Nations title. This comprehensive victory signifies not only the strength of the current French squad but also their intentions for the tournament.
Particularly noteworthy was Thomas Ramos, whose performance earned him praise from commentators. After the match, he was hailed as the 'Greatest of All Time' (GOAT) by some outlets, reflecting his impact and growth as one of the key players on the national team. His contributions, both as point scorer and playmaker, highlighted his dual ability to create and convert scoring opportunities effectively.
The road to success for the French team is lined with challenges, yet their first release of energy against Wales certainly raised expectations. Coach Galthié, who previously highlighted Ramos’s importance to the team's preparation and performance, will likely continue to rely on his skills. The outcome against Wales places the French rugby team among the favorites for the title, igniting hopes among fans of possible glory later this year.
With this resounding win, France looks forward to the subsequent rounds of the Six Nations with renewed confidence. Every player seems to be stepping up, showing resilience, teamwork, and skill—a combination indicative of the ambitious spirit within the squad.