By Kasey Rees
Wales were ruthlessly “nilled” in their third Women’s Six Nations game of the tournament – going down 50-0 to a France team in a class above at Cardiff Arms Park.
The home side came into the fixture looking to put their loss against Ireland behind them and gain a first victory of the campaign.
But it France who dominated the contest and their strong, overwhelming performance led to eight unanswered tries.
It was Wales’ third defeat of the campaign, and a second loss at home after previously being beaten by Italy before the loss in Dublin and head coach Geraint Lewis admitted: “It was a difficult afternoon.
“To lose by 50 points at any standard in a game is tough. But it is also an eye opener to the quality and standard of players at the top end of the women’s game.
“Every mistake we made today, they capitalised on. We are going through the process of trying to improve as players, we are trying to extend our skill-set, but unfortunately with that comes errors. And we came up against a team that punished us for every one we made.
“You can’t question the girls’ efforts today, as we are working on trying to get better. Today was a harsh lesson as we needed to be more consistent, which we struggled with at times.
“We have now got to go up to England and try to attain a standard to our game and we are constantly trying to prove that. Hopefully, we can go up there and give a better performance.”
Wales actually started the game on a positive note as they tried to build on their strong performance in Dublin two weeks ago.
But it was France who dominated the half with Cyrielle Banet scoring twice and Laure Sansus also crossing the line. Jessy Tremouliere successfully converted two out of the three tries scored.
Despite Wales showing promise after conceding those tries – and almost adding to the scoresheet themselves – it was the visitors who ran in with a 19-0 lead at half-time.
Wales worked hard to avoid more misery from a strong French pack after the interval and showed no signs of giving up.
But the women in blue were fast and physical throughout the match, and they certainly took advantage of Wales’ sloppy defence, as they scored a further five tries.
Safi N’Diaye, Marine Menager, Julie Annery and Sansus all crossed, with Camille Boudard scoring the final try of the match.
Wales are back at the Cardiff Arms Park on March 15 when they face Scotland in the final match of their campaign. But before then thay have another formidable test as they travel to The Stoop to face last year’s Grand Slam winners England on March 8.
The third defeat leaves Wales bottom of the table, but despite the heavy loss captain Siwan Lilicrap remains optimistic about the team’s future.
She said: “We are a young squad building towards the next World Cup and beyond. Our average age is young, but they fronted up physically today.
“We want to be up with the best in the world, but we have got to play them now and learn these lessons. There were lessons learned today, and there are things we can fix in training.
“Going forward, we have got to identify those opportunities and execute them. I hope we take those chances in the rest of the campaign.
“We have got a big two weeks of preparation ahead, and I look forward to the next encounter against England.”
Referee: Nicky O’Donnell (RFU)
Attendance: 2103
Women of the Match: Pauline Bourdon (FRA)
Wales: Kayleigh Powell; Caitlin Lewis, Megan Webb, Kerin Lake, Lisa Neumann; Robyn Wilkins, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Cerys Hale, Georgia Evans, Gwen Crabb, Alisha Butchers, Bethan Lewis, Siwan Lillicrap (capt).
Replacements: Molly Kelly, Cara Hope, Ruth Lewis, Robyn Lock, Manon Johnes, Ffion Lewis, Courtney Keight, Lauren Smyth.
France: Jessy Tremouliere; Cyrielle Banet, Coralie Bertrand, Morgane Peyronnet, Marine Menager; Pauline Bourdon, Laure Sansus; Mailys Traore, Agathe Sochat, Clara Joyeux, Safi N’Diaye, Audrey Forlani, Julie Annery, Coumba Diallo, Gaelle Hermet (capt).
Replacements: Laure Touye, Lise Arricastre, Yllana Brosseau, Lenaig Corson, Celine Ferer, Yanna Rivoalen, Camille Boudaud, Caroline Boujard.
