By Paul Jones
Warren Gatland has admitted he’s already reached a new crunch point just one game into the Six Nations.
The Wales coach – who managed to cling on to his job before the tournament – will know his team’s opening day defeat will fuel more doubts over his ability to halt a steep decline.
The record-breaking 43-0 loss to France in Paris marked the first time Wales have failed to score in a Six Nations match, and extended their winless run under Gatland to 13 consecutive Tests.
The looming fixture in Rome already seem a pivotal moment in the tournament, with both teams desperate to avoid finishing last.
“It is an important game for Wales. It is not about where it ranks for me,” said Gatland.
“Next week becomes pretty important for us. We can’t hide away from that. We need to get the monkey off our back.
“The players have worked hard over the last couple of weeks and the players are aware of how important next week is.
“We go to Nice tomorrow for the week, and that is going to be important for this group and working closely and continuing to make improvements.
“When I look at the way the forwards kept carrying and defending, they gave everything. We need to make sure we are smart in terms of the way we play to get that win next week in Rome.”
️ “I thought we were positive in what we were trying to do.”
Warren Gatland reflects on Wales’s heavy defeat in Paris #GuinnessM6N | #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/oIOQlQUpH2
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) January 31, 2025
Wales’ heavy loss to France was compounded by injuries to key players, with number eight Aaron Wainwright and centre Owen Watkin both forced off before half-time.
Wainwright sustained a head injury, while Watkin is feared to have suffered a serious knee ligament issue.
“They are not looking great,” Gatland admitted.
“Owen is in a brace with his knee, and it looks like it could be an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), and Aaron needs another HIA (head injury assessment) and has quite a nasty gash in his face.”
While Wales had hoped for a strong start to their Six Nations campaign, they were overpowered by a rampant French side led by the returning Antoine Dupont.
The Olympic sevens gold medallist orchestrated the French attack, setting up three of the four first-half tries scored by Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Despite beginning the game with some promising moments, Wales ultimately struggled to cope with France’s intensity and precision. Their discipline also proved costly, with captain Jac Morgan acknowledging the impact of repeated errors.
“It was a tough night, obviously we are disappointed with the result. We knew how dangerous France can be,” said Morgan.
“Discipline probably let us down quite a bit in that game, and against a team like France, they capitalise on your ill-discipline and your mistakes, and that’s what they did today.
“Sometimes we weren’t quite accurate enough or clinical enough with the ball in hand, and we didn’t quite take our opportunities, and if you do a mistake then France will punish you.”
“There was a lot of good there, a lot of promise.”
Jac Morgan speaks to @gabrielclarke05 after Wales were subjected to their 13th straight loss…#GuinnessM6N | #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/34alFaF5bO
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) January 31, 2025
France secured their bonus point before the interval, while second-half tries from Julien Marchand, Emilien Gailleton, and Gregory Alldritt put the game beyond doubt. A late red card for Romain Ntamack following a high tackle on a Welsh player will see him miss France’s clash with England.
Despite the heavy defeat, Gatland claimed he saw some encouraging signs within his team’s performance.
“I can’t question the effort of the players. They are disappointed. They realise what a quality side they were up against,” he said.
“I don’t think it was a complete bad night at the office. There were times when we had them under pressure and didn’t capitalise.
“We started well, but when we look back we have put ourselves under pressure at times by over-playing.
“It is probably the experience and tactical nous that is missing. It’s probably the understanding that international rugby is tight, particularly when you are playing a quality side like France.
“That is the game-management the players will learn from tonight.
“I thought there were some positives. Our scrum was good, some good defensive sets and where can we fix up and be game-smart to keep putting the opposition under pressure.”
With Wales now turning their attention to Italy, the upcoming game in Rome presents a crucial opportunity to break their losing streak and rebuild confidence in the tournament.
