International & Sevens — Sunday 19 April 2026

The expectation at the Arms Park was high, but Les Bleues treated the Welsh campaign like a simple speed-running challenge. After trailing through a penalty try, Wales genuinely looked capable of stalling the bleedin' reds, aiming to end a deeply concerning run of nine defeats against France. But the visitors simply had the nous, the muscle, and the class to refuse the challenge, pulling off a devastating 38-7 masterclass.

It wasn't just the final score, though. France delivered a suffocating second-half power show that redefined the Six Nations talking points. When Wales managed to lure the visitors into a precarious 13-man spell, France didn't crack. Instead, Madoussou Fall Raclot hit back with the crucial try, allowing the French machine to seize absolute control. Key players like Manae Feleu, Lea Marie, and Pauline Bourdon Sansus were critical in dismantling the challenge. Grando added weight to the tally, but the scale of the victory ensured that, despite the wins, France slid to second in the Six Nations table, leaving them firmly chasing England.

The lesson here isn't just about points; it's about the sheer, cold-blooded difference in pedigree. The Red Roses looked resilient, but against that level of French firepower—and even when down a man—the effort was simply too much to sustain.