France tore an overmatched Wales to shreds in another tough Six Nations day for the hosts in Cardiff.
There were swathes of empty seats at the Principality Stadium to look on at a mismatch between the tournament favourites and a side without a win in this competition since 2023. France got the scoring started inside 90 seconds via a try from Emilien Gailleton and seldom looked back, with Theo Attissogbe scoring twice and plenty of others chipping in.
Though Wales registered via a Rhys Carre short-range score and late Mason Grady try, it was rarely a true contest in Cardiff. Steve Tandy could take heart from the fact that his side never fully wilted and had moments of promise with ball in hand, but they have now conceded 48 points or more in their last four fixtures - another winless campaign may well beckon as the Welsh woe continues.
Follow all of the latest from the Six Nations clash with our live blog below:
Wales vs France live
- France thrash Wales in round two of the Six Nations
- Empty seats in Cardiff reflected woe for overmatched Welsh side
- 15' - TRY! Fabien Brau-Boirie snares score on debut (WAL 0-19 FRA)
- 18' - TRY! Wales hit back through Rhys Carre (WAL 7-19 FRA)
- 39' - TRY! Wales gift try to Matthieu Jalibert (WAL 7-26 FRA)
- 44' - TRY! Julien Marchand powers over from maul (WAL 7-33 FRA)
- 49' - TRY! Theo Attissogbe adds another French try (WAL 7-40 FRA)
- 58' - TRY! Attissogbe provides second as France extend lead (WAL 7-47 FRA)
France defence head coach Shaun Edwards: 'We're a good team to watch'
17:32 , Ciara Fearn"We’re very good to watch, I know that! If you pay to watch the team, you’ll get your money's worth.
"Romain Ntamack has had an injury and we wish him well in his recovery, and Matthieu Jalibert has come in and been absolutely outstanding, both in attack and defence. You always want competition for places.
"I’m the defence coach, and the players prefer to attack! But everyone knows in the big games you have to defend well. I was very pleased with only 12 points today.
"Mobility in terms of getting Charles Ollivon and Mickaël Guillard into the second row, as well as the power. There’s give one way and the other. The selection has been very good."
Welsh head coach Steve Tandy speaking to BBC Sport:
17:29 , Ciara Fearn“I definitely feel like that we didn’t throw many punches last week, but our discipline was much better, set piece excellent, and we had a few moments.
“Ultimately we’re really disappointed with the last few moments of first half. 19-7 would’ve been a transitional moment for us.
“It’s a part of the journey we’re on, but there’s more to see from that performance today.
“France, the athletes they have 1-23, if you kicked a little bit too far, an offload, knock on they were incredible. You have to tip your hat.
“For us, we’re transitioning. We’re not where we want to be, especially on scoreboard, but we’re building.”
On not having a full-time defence coach:
“We’ve been looking at a defence coach, mid-season it’s hard to get things in and I wanted to see what’s around us, by summer we’ll have an option there.”
On the lack of ticket sales:
“It’s our job to get support here. Our supporters are amazing, the general public have been amazing, understanding. You see the effort out there as a young group, it’s not on the scoreline but they do love the community and nation, and the support makes a difference.”
Wales endure latest dark day as France run riot in front of empty seats in Cardiff
17:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales suffered more Six Nations misery as France romped to a 54-12 victory in Cardiff.
Les Bleus scored eight tries en route to a second bonus-point win that took them back to the top of the table as Wales wilted again for a 13th straight Six Nations defeat.
Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Matthieu Jalibert, Julien Marchand, Theo Attissogbe (two), Charles Ollivon crossed as France transformed a Test match into an an exhibition of carefree rugby.
Wales endure latest dark day as France run riot in front of empty seats in Cardiff
Wales captain Dewi Lake to BBC: 'Still so much to work on'
17:17 , Ciara Fearn"We were a lot better than last week, but there’s obviously massive work ons in our game.
"We were largely inaccurate in that final third. I do think we are more positive than last week, but still the score-line is what it is.
"It’s always a privilege to put the jersey on, that will never change, the morale probably comes from the scoreboard, which is the disappointing thing.
"We were largely disappointed with what we showed on the pitch last week, we’ll probably be a bit happier with what we put on the field this weekend. But there's a lot to work on.
"I complete understand they are a world class team, but we have got to be better than that as well.
"We've got to excite people and get them to want to watch us."
Former Wales captain Sam Warburton:
17:15 , Ciara Fearn“I don't think the score-line reflects the effort from some of the Wales players.
“There was definitely positives we can take into the Scotland game next week.”
French centre Emilien Gailleton and fly-half, player of the match Mathieu Jalibert
17:08 , Ciara Fearn“Very pleased we had the win and bonus point in the first half. We were happy to attack, we’re very pleased. More games to go, the job’s not finished.
“All this year long we’ve seen [Mathieu Jalibert] in the Top 14, outstanding performance, special kicker, happy to play with him.”
Mathieu Jalibert, as translated by Gailleton:
“I'm very pleased to be playing with such talented players.
"I also want to congratulate all the forwards that made a big effort who give us the opportunity to have some space.
"I'm happy playing with the whole team."
Full-time! Wales 12-54 France
16:57 , Ciara FearnThat’s the final whistle.
Wales at least manage to claim the last score of the match, but France finish with eight tries, recording their biggest win against Wales in Cardiff.
TRY! Wales (Grady) 12-54 France, 78 mins
16:54 , Ciara FearnWales tap and drive forward with Wainwright taking a massive hit, before the ball is shifted right for Mason Grady to score off a pass from Louis Rees-Zammit.
Jarrod Evans’ conversion drifts wide.
Wales 7-54 France, 77 mins
16:53 , Ciara FearnWales secure the lineout and mount a relentless assault on the French try line, driving through phase after phase of powerful ball carrying.
Amid the chaos France are caught offside giving Wales another chance to attack.
Wales 7-54 France, 75 mins
16:49 , Ciara FearnFrance win the turnover and spring forward on the attack. It looks dangerous for Wales as Brau-Boirie sends Bielle-Biarrey away, but the pass is ruled forward.
Wales 7-54 France, 72 mins
16:47 , Ciara FearnWales attack ends with a knock on by Aaron Wainwright as France’s relentless defence forces the error.
NO TRY! Wales 7-54 France, 70 mins
16:44 , Ciara FearnJalibert’s grubber looks slightly overhit, but Attissogbe’s pace gets him to the ball before it goes dead.
Replays confirm the referee’s call of a knock-on.
Wales 7-54 France, 69 mins
16:43 , Ciara FearnEddie James intercepts with a France overlap on the left, but his teammates aren’t keeping up. Gailleton forces a turnover.
Gailleton’s shift ends there, replaced by debutant Noah Nene, who looks like a real physical presence.
Wales 7-54 France, 66 mins
16:40 , Ciara FearnFrance clear and Wales launch an attack through midfield with Eddie James running a smart line before Taine Plumtree loses the ball.
Ramos clears and Wales find themselves back in their own 22.
Wales 7-54 France, 64 mins
16:38 , Ciara FearnJames nearly scores for Wales but is held up and Adams picks up to attack the line only to knock on.
Wales remain on the front foot as lock Ben Carter, just on, charges into the 22.
Centre Eddie James comes up just short and wing Josh Adams loses the ball as he reaches for the line.
Solid defensive work from France.
TRY! Wales 7-54 France (Ollivon), 61 mins
16:35 , Ciara FearnOllivon scores, Serin comes on for Dupont and sparks the move from deep, setting it up perfectly.
France shift the ball side-to-side with ease before Ollivon crosses the line.
Ramos adds the conversion.
TRY! Wales 7-47 (Attissogbe), 58 mins
16:32 , Ciara FearnAttissogbe strikes once more.
Jalibert’s cross-kick finds the speedy winger in acres of space as Wales are caught too narrow, and he finishes with ease.
Ramos adds the conversion. This one’s running away from Wales.
Penalty! Wales 7-40 France, 57 mins
16:31 , Ciara FearnFrance drive aggressively at the ruck - possibly off their feet and Wales are penalised for coming in from the side.
France kick to the corner, earning a five-metre lineout opportunity.
Penalty! Wales 7-40 France, 55 mins
16:29 , Ciara FearnWales get a reprieve as France knock on from the lineout, then Gailleton is penalised for tackling on the ground, giving the home side a chance to clear.
It also saves Beard from embarrassment after his knock-on in his own 22 under no pressure.
Penalty! Wales 7-40 France, 52 mins
16:25 , Ciara FearnFrance continue to dominate, leaving Wales struggling to keep up.
Jalibert sends the latest penalty to touch inside the Welsh 22.
TRY! Wales 7-40 France (Attissogbe), 49 mins
16:23 , Ciara FearnAttissogbe finishes after Bielle-Biarrey tears down the left with blistering pace.
Ramos’s clever offload helped carve out the space for Bielle-Biarrey - an excellent team try.
Ramos adds the conversion.
Wales 7-33 France, 48 mins
16:21 , Ciara FearnWales come close to scoring!
Francis and Wainwright spark a counterattack, but the move falls apart near the French try-line as Wales knock on.
TRY! Wales 7-33 France (Marchand), 44 mins
16:17 , Ciara FearnMarchand caps off a commanding French rolling maul!
The drive slows briefly, but a second push from the pack carries them over the line.
Ramos nails a brilliant touchline conversion.
Penalty! Wales 7-26 France, 43 mins
16:15 , Ciara FearnDupont is tackled late inside the 22, and Jalibert sends the ball into the corner.
France are applying early pressure in this phase.
Wales 7-26 France, 42 mins
16:14 , Ciara FearnJalibert enjoys plenty of time on the ball as Wales win the turnover but are slow to recycle and opt for a long kick.
Jalibert waits, then curls a precise kick down the middle, bouncing it into space and forcing Wales to clear.
Kick-off! Wales 7-26 France
16:13 , Ciara FearnWe’re back for second half in Cardiff with Matthieu Jalibert getting the game underway.
Half-time! Wales 7-26 France
15:59 , Ciara FearnIt’s been a patchy display from Wales and Steve Tandy was furious after that fourth try just before halftime.
Wales have battled since France stormed out with a 0-19 lead, but they need to limit the damage in the second half and look to strike back with a few scores of their own.
TRY! Wales 7-26 France (Jalibert), 39 mins
15:54 , Ciara FearnA shocking mistake from lock Adam Beard, who miscues a kick.
Fly-half Matthieu Jalibert pounces and sprints over for the score.
Ramos makes no mistake with the conversion.
Wales 7-19 France, 37 mins
15:52 , Ciara FearnFrance work the ball down the left before putting in a kick, but Rees-Zammit collects it well.
Williams’ clearance is weak and France are back on the attack.
From the lineout, Dupont shows off his strength and footwork before passing to Brau-Boirie, but the centre loses control in contact.
Penalty! Wales 7-19 France, 34 mins
15:49 , Ciara FearnFrance win the breakdown turnover just inside their 22, though Marchand was a bit fortunate after taking two attempts and looping around the side.
NO TRY! Wales 7- 19 France, 31 mins
15:45 , Ciara FearnAttissogbe’s effort is disallowed after replays show he was ahead of Dupont’s brilliant chip.
Offside is called and the try is wiped from the board.
Wales 7-19 France, 29 mins
15:43 , Ciara FearnWales are holding onto the ball more, but their kicking hasn’t been sharp.
After reclaiming possession in France’s half, Williams sends a weak kick across the pitch, easily claimed by Bielle-Biarrey in the 22.
The wing then clears it deep into Wales’ half.
Wales 7-19 France, 27 mins
15:41 , Ciara FearnFrance are slick with offloads, forwards and backs linking well, but Wales defend stoutly.
A clever linebreak sees Dupont almost clear stopped by Tomos Williams.
Wales turn it over and Rees-Zammit nearly breaks free. Chaos reigns with Wales right in the thick of it.
Wales 7-19 France, 25 mins
15:37 , Ciara FearnFrance spread the ball wide on the first phase leaving Louis Bielle-Biarrey in space again.
His pass to Attissogbe is off and Wales counter quickly from the lineout.
Wales 7-19 France, 24 mins
15:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s been a tough start for Wales in Cardiff.
Wales 7-19 France, 23 mins
15:35 , Ciara FearnSome order returns as Wales secure the scrum and Tomos Williams kicks the ball into the stands.
France set up their lineout on halfway.
Wales 7-19 France, 21 mins
15:33 , Ciara FearnFrance launch another attack straight from their own restart. Wales are once again hanging tough deep in their own 22.
France hunt their four-try bonus but are frustrated by a knock on as Ramos drops the ball.
A defensive scrum for Wales will be set up.
TRY! Wales (Carre) 7-19 France, 18 mins
15:32 , Ciara FearnWales finally show some attacking intent as Ellis Mee charges down the right.
They remain composed inside the 22, driving at the line to win a penalty advantage.
Cracknell is held up over the line but will have another chance.
Wales take the penalty quickly with Dewi Lake getting the first go. It’s then prop Rhys Carre who powers over to put the home side on the board.
Edwards successfully converts.
TRY! Wales 0-19 France (Brau-Boirie), 15 mins
15:28 , Ciara FearnFabien Brau-Boirie scores on his debut! That’s France’s third try, with the young Pau centre crossing the line after a Jalibert break splits the Welsh defence, which just can’t handle the speed, skill and strength on show.
Ramos adds the extras from the right touchline.
Wales 0-12 France, 14 mins
15:25 , Ciara FearnFrance drive down the left via Ollivon and Bielle-Biarrey and come close to scoring again only for Ramos to fumble the ball forward.
They’re threatening from all angles, fully aware that Wales are struggling to match them.
TRY! Wales 0-12 France (Bielle-Biarrey), 11 mins
15:24 , Ciara FearnFrance are looking extremely dangerous in possession and Wales are finding it tough to cope.
Attissogbe cuts inside and is held up, but the tackle had already been completed, giving France a penalty. They opt for the corner and Bielle-Biarrey is on hand to score once more!
Jalibert delivers a pinpoint cross-field kick, one of several scoring options available.
Thomas Ramos misses the conversion, sending it wide.
Wales 0-7 France, 8 mins
15:19 , Ciara FearnWales stand their ground, but Dupont connects with Jalibert to break into the Welsh 22 though France are pushed back 10 metres.
France quickly regain momentum crossing the gain line with ease to get back on the attack.
Wales 0-7 France, 5 mins
15:18 , Ciara FearnEllis Mee regains possession in the air against Bielle-Biarrey who had claimed one earlier leading up to the try.
Wales work through a few phases but can’t break past halfway, so Dan Edwards opts for a kick. They manage to hold their first period of possession just inside the French half, but France’s dominance at the breakdown keeps pushing them back.
Edwards launches a kick, but France are quick to neutralise it.
TRY! Wales 0-7 France (Gailleton) , 2 mins
15:15 , Ciara FearnWales start from deep, but France quickly relieve the pressure with Dupont.
Attissogbe charges down the right, Ollivon links up and Emilien Gailleton is there to finish the move.
Thomas Ramos converts the extras - a horror start for Wales just 88 seconds in.
Kick-off! Wales 0-0 France
15:12 , Ciara FearnWe’re underway in Cardiff as fly-half Dan Edwards gets us under way.
Can France stay on course for consecutive Six Nations triumphs, or will Wales pull off a stunning upset?
Shaun Edwards pre-match
15:02 , Ciara FearnOn avoiding complacency:
“We have to play to our standards and potential, we have to judge ourselves harshly in everything we’ve done. We know we played well vs Ireland but we want to improve.
“I’m sure better times are coming for Wales, let’s hope it happens tomorrow, not today.”
On debutant Fabien Brau-Boirie:
“He’s some player, very big, very strong but can also avoid contact very well. The two centres have played together at Pau, so hopefully they can play well today.”
Wales vs France match officials
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: James Doleman (NZ)
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley (Eng) & Sam Grove-White (Sco)
Television Match Official: Richard Kelly (NZ)
Foul Play Review Officer: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Can Wales find some punch?
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was striking again against England how lacking Wales were in terms of collision winners on both sides of the ball. This feels a punchier pack with Rhys Carre and Olly Cracknell adding plenty of carry threat, although they will still be significantly out-sized. I’d like to see more of Eddie James with ball in hand, too - the centre was not really given much to work with at Twickenham, although an alliance with club colleague Joe Hawkins may be helpful in that regard.
Fabien Brau-Boirie makes debut
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleFabien Brau-Boirie is the latest top talent off the French production line, with the Pau centre drawing comparisons to Yannick Jauzion. Only just 20, he’ll strike up his club partnership with Emilien Gailleton - a comparable veteran at 22 - in Cardiff today.
"Brau-Boirie has been with us for over a year. He performed well with the under-20s, trained with the French national team last year, and was also supposed to travel with us to New Zealand (last July) but injured his ankle," France coach Fabien Galthie said of the youngster. "He's a very young player but he's a regular for his club every weekend and has earned a place."
Steve Tandy defends dual role
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs well as team selection, there has been as much scrutiny on Steve Tandy's dual role as defence coach and head coach.
Wales have shipped 34 tries and conceded 248 points in Tandy's five games and it has been suggested the former Scotland and British and Irish Lions defence coach is spreading himself too thinly.
Tandy said of his dual role: "It is a lot. When I got here it was making sure I had the right people in the room, and Matt (Sherratt, attack coach) and Danny (Wilson, assistant coach) came in.
"I am really passionate about defence and I've really enjoyed it - and doing it with the head coaching role.
"But then it is about making sure you don't spread yourself too thinly. We are constantly assessing and reviewing it as it is a big demand.
"Hopefully it is something we are going to get in place for the (summer's) Nations Cup."
Team news - France
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance are forced into a midfield rethink with all of Yoram Moefana, Nicolas Depoortere and Kalvin Gourgues ruled out of the trip to Cardiff. It is a Pau partnership paired in the centres, then, with debutant Fabien Brau-Boirie considered a top talent and alongside familiar company in Emilien Gailleton.
The rest of the starting side is unchanged, with Charles Ollivon and Mickael Guillard continuing in the second row despite the return of Thibaud Flament. The Toulouse lock has to be content with a place on the bench, from where he and Emmanuel Meafou, regular partner for club and country, could do plenty of damage. Noah Nene is another potential first-capper in jersey No 23.
France XV: 1 Jean Baptiste-Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri; 4 Charles Ollivon, 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Oscar Jegou, 8 Anthony Jelonch; 9 Antoine Dupont (capt.), 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Fabien Brau-Boirie, 13 Emilien Gailleton, 14 Theo Attissogbe; 15 Thomas Ramos.
Replacements: 16 Maxime Lamothe, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Thibaud Flament, 20 Emmanuel Meafou, 21 Lenni Nouchi; 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Noah Nene.
🏴 🇫🇷𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐞́𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐞 pour défier le Pays de Galles pour notre deuxième match du Six Nations 2026 ! 💪
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 12, 2026
👊 Rendez-vous dimanche à Cardiff !#GALFRA #XVdeFrance pic.twitter.com/bG1m0N9izN
Team news - Wales
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSteve Tandy makes a handful of changes to the Welsh side thrashed by England in round one. No 8 Olly Cracknell is primed for a Six Nations debut in a reshuffled back row that also includes Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann, while a swap of props sees Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis promoted from the bench.
Joe Hawkins is preferred to Ben Thomas at 12, and will partner clubmate Eddie James. It is a five forwards to three backs bench split named by Tandy.
Wales XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Tomas Francis; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard; 6 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Alex Mann, 8 Olly Cracknell; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Eddie James, 14 Ellis Mee; 15 Louis Rees-Zammit.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree; 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Mason Grady.
🚨 𝗧î𝗺 𝗖𝘆𝗺𝗿𝘂 🏴
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 13, 2026
Here is your Wales 23 to face France at @principalitysta on Sunday afternoon, 15:10 KO! 🔥💪
🎟 https://t.co/gaZs6k0kP7
🔗 https://t.co/1YvMcw3B1I#CymruAmByth | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/O5LaDw65X4
Tomas Francis's French adventures
13:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleTomas Francis says it means "everything" to play for Wales again after leaving home to perform on a French stage complete with pitchside oysters and champagne.
Francis headed for Provence nearly three years ago and admits it is a different world to the one he knew at Exeter and Ospreys.
Until last weekend, when he appeared as a second-half substitute in the 48-7 thrashing against England, Francis had not played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup.
The intervening years may have been tough for Welsh rugby fans to digest - with Wales having lost 22 of 24 Test matches - but it is an environment the 33-year-old prop could not wait to rejoin.
"Rugby in France is an entertainment business," said Francis, who wins his 79th cap today and will join Sale next season.
"I play in the second division where my team's had two and a half years of sell-outs.
"They serve oysters on the side of the pitch, they have champagne. There's a party in the bodega after, and the rugby matches that.
"When we play at home for Provence it's 'joue' (play), on top. Then (Top 14 teams) play Castres away and it's a dogfight, and the fans love that just as much."
Wales boss Steve Tandy on poor ticket sales
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSteve Tandy insists Wales is a "rugby nation" despite tens of thousands of tickets remaining unsold for this year's Six Nations.
Wales have historically put up 'sold out' signs for Test matches at their 74,500-seater Principality Stadium home, with rugby often referred to as the "national sport".
But on Friday morning, according to the Welsh Rugby Union's official ticket site, there were 15,300 unsold tickets for today’s clash with France, 6,700 left for Scotland next weekend, and 27,000 for Italy's visit in March.
The apparent apathy from supporters comes with Wales suffering the worst run of results in its history, winning only twice in 24 games and having lost 12 Six Nations matches in a row.
Reigning champions France are expected to inflict more misery in Cardiff as Tandy seeks to turn around Welsh fortunes after being thumped by England in their Six Nations opener.
Asked if Wales was still a rugby country with swathes of tickets still available, Tandy said: "Absolutely. I think it tells me we're a rugby nation with all the disappointment there has been.
"Everybody in Wales wants us to be back at the top of the table.
"It is not in a great place at the minute, but I believe we will get there. It's going to take everyone - not just the players, but the coaches, the supporters - to get us back to where we want to be as a nation.
"We're in a different place to some of the teams we've played over the last four or five games, but we are striving to be there."
Andy Farrell looks to ‘bigger picture’ as Ireland escape with win over Italy
13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleHead coach Andy Farrell praised Ireland’s resilience after they survived a major scare to scrape an unconvincing 20-13 Guinness Six Nations victory over Italy.
The error-strewn hosts trailed 10-5 at half-time in Dublin before hanging on as the Azzurri pushed to salvage a draw during a breathless finale.
While Ireland ultimately bounced back from a chastening 36-14 round-one loss away to France, a disjointed display at a subdued Aviva Stadium did little to quell concerns they are a fading force.
“That’s the bigger picture stuff, the character, because we were playing against a very good Italian side that was never going to go away,” said Farrell.
“But it was more than that. They were trying to batter the door down at the end. The resilience we showed to win the game was fantastic to see.
Andy Farrell looks to ‘bigger picture’ as Ireland escape with win over Italy
Sam Prendergast struggles create more questions but Ireland narrowly survive Italy scare
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was a sticky old outing for Ireland, meanwhile, with Sam Prendergast’s struggles contrasting with a strong showing off the bench from Jack Crowley as that battle for No 10 rumbles on.
Prendergast struggles create more questions but Ireland narrowly survive Italy scare
Scotland boss Gregor Townsend sends message to critics after Calcutta Cup victory
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Gregor Townsend was in a defiant mood after a significant win for his side lifted some of the pressure on the head coach.
Scotland boss Gregor Townsend sends message to critics after Calcutta Cup victory
Yesterday's action...
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll continue to look ahead to today’s action in a moment, but first a glance back at yesterday’s two matches. Let’s begin at Murrayfield, where Scotland once again capitalised on an English horror show to win the Calcutta Cup.
Scotland stun England to bring winning run to a halt in Calcutta Cup horror show
Wales conduct ‘honest’ review of England thrashing as daunting Six Nations clash with France looms
12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleMatt Sherratt says there has been an "honest" appraisal of Wales' abject defeat to England but no "hairdryer treatment" for Steve Tandy's players.
Wales were thumped 48-7 last week as a once-proud rugby country suffered a 12th-consecutive Six Nations loss.
Former Wales outside-half Dan Biggar said Tandy's side were "quite a bit short" of the standard required for Test rugby and Welsh fans hammered the team on social media.
"Everyone's going to have an opinion on how to solve things," said Wales attack coach Sherratt.
"The review was honest. It wasn't hairdryer treatment, but it was honest. There was accountability in terms of the discipline and how we played from staff and players.
Wales conduct ‘honest’ review of England defeat as daunting clash with France looms
France forced into midfield rethink for Wales clash in Six Nations
12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance have been forced to name a new-look centre pairing for their Six Nations clash with Wales after both Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere were ruled out by injury.
The Bordeaux Begles duo had impressed outside of clubmate Matthieu Jalibert in France’s opening win over Ireland, but will miss the trip to Cardiff. Moefana has suffered a minor knock to the knee, while Depoortere reportedly has a calf issue and Toulouse’s Kalvin Gourgues is also out of the encounter having featured off the bench last week.
Fabien Galthie has again prioritised club cohesion with 20-year-old Pau centre Fabien Brau-Boirie set for a debut alongside Emilien Gailleton, who has won 11 caps.
France forced into midfield rethink for Wales clash in Six Nations
Olly Cracknell set for Six Nations debut as Wales reveal team to face France
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo 8 Olly Cracknell is set for his Six Nations debut as Steve Tandy makes four changes to his Wales team to face France in Cardiff.
Cracknell’s inclusion means a reshuffle to the back row that began the heavy defeat to England, with Aaron Wainwright moving to the blindside and Alex Mann wearing the seven shirt.
Tandy swaps props with Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis promoted from the bench as Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin take replacement roles, while Joe Hawkins is preferred to Ben Thomas at inside centre, and will partner clubmate Eddie James.
Wales face another daunting challenge as they welcome the tournament favourites to the Principality Stadium, having conceded an average of nearly 58 points across their last three outings.
Olly Cracknell set for Six Nations debut as Wales reveal team to face France
Wales vs France live
Thursday 12 February 2026 10:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe second round of the Six Nations concludes in Cardiff as Wales face up to another daunting task with France in town. The woes continue for Welsh rugby with empty seats expected today at the Principality Stadium after an opening drubbing by England - and another sizeable scoreline could be on the cards against the tournament favourites.
Can Steve Tandy’s side spring an almighty shock? We’ll find out from 3.10pm GMT.
