In a thrilling encounter at the Stade Amédée Domenech in Brive-la-Gaillarde, the French women's rugby team showcased their resilience and skill against Wales, clinching a convincing 42-12 victory on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This win marks the third consecutive triumph for the French side in the ongoing Six Nations Tournament, keeping their hopes alive for the championship title.
The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 12,738 spectators, who braved the rain to witness a clash that saw the French team extend their winning streak against Wales to nine consecutive matches. Despite the scoreline, the performance was not without its challenges, as the French team struggled with handling errors and defensive lapses that allowed Wales to stay competitive early in the game.
Émilie Boulard was the standout performer for France, scoring two tries within the first 16 minutes, giving her team an early lead. The first try came in the 5th minute, where Boulard capitalized on a well-executed play, receiving a clever kick from Carla Arbez. Just ten minutes later, she crossed the line again, reinforcing her position as a key player in the match.
However, the Welsh side responded fiercely. Kate Williams opened the scoring for Wales in the 10th minute, followed by Gwen Crabb who added another try in the 23rd minute, bringing the score to 10-12 and keeping the pressure on the French team. The French defense, while strong at times, showed vulnerability, particularly in the face of Wales' aggressive mauls.
As the first half drew to a close, the French team needed a boost, and they found it in the form of Manon Bigot, who scored just before halftime, bringing the score to 21-12. This crucial try shifted the momentum in favor of the French, allowing them to head into the break with a more comfortable lead.
After halftime, the French team adjusted their strategy, simplifying their play and focusing on gaining territory. Captain Manae Feleu made her mark early in the second half, scoring a try in the 44th minute, extending the lead to 28-12. The French side's physicality began to wear down the Welsh team, who struggled to keep pace.
The match continued to showcase the French team's dominance, as they were awarded a penalty try in the 67th minute after a dominant scrum, pushing the score to 35-12. Léa Champon capped off the scoring with a final try in the 79th minute, sealing the match at 42-12.
Despite the victory, the French coaching staff, led by Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz, expressed concerns over the team's performance. "Even though we scored over 40 points, we left too many opportunities on the field. We need to work on our execution and discipline as we prepare for our next matches," Ortiz remarked post-game.
Montserrat Amédée, one of the key players, acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We need to start stronger in our matches. We went step by step, but it’s essential to enter the game with more intensity from the beginning. Three wins in three matches is great, but we can do better." This reflects the team's ambition as they look ahead.
Looking forward, the French team faces Italy in Parma on April 19, 2025. This match is critical as they aim to maintain their momentum and set up a potential championship showdown against England, who currently leads the tournament standings with a narrow point advantage.
The stakes are high as the French side prepares for what many are calling a “final” against the reigning champions, England, later this month. The upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup, scheduled for August 22 to September 27, 2025, adds additional weight to these encounters, making every match a vital step towards glory.
As the tournament progresses, the French women's team remains focused, determined to improve and rise to the occasion. With their eyes set on the title and the World Cup, they are ready to tackle the challenges ahead, one match at a time.
