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Sean Lynn Puts Faith in Wales’ Half Measures Ahead of England Test

French second row Kiara Zago catches lineout ball during Wales versus France. Pic: Alamy

French second row Kiara Zago catches lineout ball during Wales versus France. Pic: Alamy

Sean Lynn believes his Wales team’s first-half display against France proves they have no reason to fear their next challenge against England.

Wales were beaten 38-7 by France in round two of the Women’s Six Nations, a home defeat that might give some coaches sleepless nights, given that England thrashed Scotland, 84-7, at Murrayfield.

Those were the same Scots, you may recall, who beat Wales 24-19 at the Principality Stadium a week before their crushing under the Red Roses.

Nevertheless, Lynn is clinging to the hope that a gutsy opening 40 minutes against France – after which Wales were locked at 7-7 at Cardiff Arms Park – should provide a measure of confidence before they face the world champions.

READ MORE: Kelsey Jones Aims to Build on Dream Try With Wales’ Victory Over France

Wales summoned a mighty defensive effort across the whole match that included 196 tackles.

But they went on to concede six tries and have now lost to France nine times in a row.

"We went in level at half-time against a top-four side and I thought the final scoreline was harsh,"  said Lynn.

"We attempted 247 tackles, that's a lot and it does take its toll.

"We have to look to keep the ball more. It was the same against Scotland, we were forcing the ball.

"The set-piece did well in the first half but not in the second. We need to be more consistent in those areas."

READ MORE: Wales Face Uphill Struggle After Losing Six Nations Opener

Attention now turns to a daunting trip to Bristol, where England await after their emphatic, lopsided win over Scotland.

"I watched the first 10 minutes of that game in the hotel before [Wales' match]. England have got a lot of firepower haven't they," Lynn said.

"I watched them against Ireland last week as well and you can see they have just got so much pace in the backs in Jess Breach and Ellie Kildunne.

"The big focus has to be on us, how do we move the dial, how are we fixing our processes in attack and defence."

While Wales have now lost 11 of their last 12 Tests, Lynn remains convinced progress is being made - and that the first-half showing against France is evidence his team is closing the gap.

"It's just making sure we're getting better with the first 10-15 minutes of the second half and the bench needs to be making the sort of impact that France's did."

READ MORE: George the First . . . Lleucu is the Chosen One to Ignite Wales’ Six Nations Campaign

In that context, the 7-7 scoreline at half-time may carry more weight than the final result—offering belief that Wales can compete, and perhaps more importantly, that they do not need to be intimidated by the challenge England will bring next.

The opening period at the Arms Park was full of intensity and belief. Wales started brightly, using powerful driving line-outs to put France under pressure and capitalising when two French players - Yllana Brosseau and Pauline Bourdon-Sansus - were sin-binned in quick succession. 

A penalty try even gave Wales the lead and a chance to exploit a numerical advantage.

Yet even with France reduced to 13 players, the visitors showed their quality, with Madoussou Fall-Raclot crashing over and Carla Arbez converting to level the scores.

Wales continued to dig deep, with Kelsey Jones producing a crucial try-saving tackle, and the hosts could take real encouragement from matching their opponents blow for blow.

However, the contest shifted dramatically after the interval. 

France, who had also surged late in their opening-round win, did so again - running in five second-half tries to pull away.

Wales were also disrupted by key moments, including the loss of captain Kate Williams to injury early in the second half and a yellow card for Gwen Crabb, which allowed France to build momentum.

Despite tireless efforts from players like Beth Lewis, Bryonie King and debutant starter Seren Lockwood, the hosts were unable to regain a foothold.

France’s clinical edge ultimately told, with tries from Manae Felu, Lea Murie, Anais Grando and Bourdon-Sansus sealing maximum points and maintaining their position alongside England at the top of the table.

 

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