Wales v France preview: Les Bleus to rediscover Six Nations form and silence boisterous Principality Stadium
The fourth round of the Six Nations rolls on this weekend and offers an intriguing clash between two teams desperate for a positive result after a challenging tournament as Wales face France in Cardiff.
The hosts are going through a lot of change in their playing group as head coach Warren Gatland is still dealing with the loss of the old guard and a lack of experience in the youth.
The off-field concerns with the Welsh regions and their financial woes do not help the situation either but the New Zealand-born coach is probably the best person to be heading the ship through tricky waters.
Les Bleus have concerns of their own. This year they have been a shadow of their potential. The departure of superstar Antoine Dupont to Sevens as he pursues Olympic glory has exposed cracks in France’s make-up. Their reliance on his unique skill-set is more obvious than ever now.
Poor discipline has not helped them this campaign either as they struggled against Ireland, arguably should have lost to Scotland if it was not for the TMO and limped to a draw against Italy. France needs a result and they need it now.
All these factors are thrown into the cauldron that is the Principality Stadium, setting up a battle for the ages.
Where the game will be won
Whenever France takes the field their power game will always be a focal point of discussion and it is no different this time around. However, it is what they pair with it that could be the difference after their long kicking game has not worked very efficiently this campaign. Neither has their breakdown threat which allowed them in the past to force penalties and leverage territory and points that way.
A lot hinges on how Wales can deal with the set-piece and collision area. Of course, they will be riding the noise of their home fans and this young side will be looking at this game as an opportunity to announce what they are all about.
If Wales can hang on then their breakdown threat of Tommy Reffell could make a huge mark on the game. If not, then Les Bleus could find their rhythm with Thomas Ramos leading the attack.
What happened last time
What they said
Gatland is expecting a big battle against France and knows his team will need a complete performance to get a result.
“There are a few changes to the team this week as there are some players that deserve an opportunity,” he said.
“It’ll be a tough, physical challenge from France on Sunday particularly up front. We know they will start hard and it’s about us staying in the fight, having good line speed defensively and keeping our discipline. We’re looking for an 80-minute performance.
“We’re excited to be back at home for our last two matches and looking forward to getting out in front of a passionate Welsh crowd this weekend.”
Players to watch
‘Turnover’ Tommy Reffell has been at his sparkling best this campaign and leads the way in the Six Nations for breakdown steals. Gatland will have his man primed and ready to cause havoc on the French breakdown. The Leicester Tiger’s skill set is very useful in killing opposition momentum and winning penalties in key locations on the field. If he has a big game it could give Wales a chance.
One of the youngest captains but one with a wise head on his shoulders, Dafydd Jenkins leads by example through his exemplary work rate which will be on show as he has shifted to flank this week. Expect him to leave it all out on the pitch yet again and his team will need it.
Like a duck to water, some might say, and that’s been the case for Cameron Winnett who has looks well at home on the Test scene. The full-back has been a prominent feature with ball in hand, notching up some impressive stats in metres gained and total carries this campaign. He has the tricky challenge of keeping an eye on the likes of Damian Penaud but one would expect him to flourish regardless.
Thomas Ramos has been quiet this Six Nations without his trusty playmaking partner Dupont in the mix. Now with his shift to fly-half he will have a more direct influence on the clash and whilst his game management at 10 has been in question at times, his free-flowing attacking style has not. He is the player who could unlock Les Bleus again.
The midfield for France has not been as effective as it was when Les Bleus was firing on all cylinders. Jonathan Danty’s red card did not help the program but Mr Reliable, Gael Fickou, will be there again to lead the defence from 13. He needs to show his experience and give the players around him the chance to flex their muscles.
Main head-to-head
This game’s battle is one between two of the hardest workers on the pitch as the number eights square off.
Aaron Wainwright is one of the most valuable names to Gatland at the moment as the coach gets an almost guaranteed blockbuster outing from his number eight. Every single game he empties the tank and does so impressively on both sides of the ball. Simply put he has to have a storming game for Wales to win.
His opposite number is the France skipper Gregory Alldritt, who returns from injury, and Fabien Galthie will be desperate for his leader to make his mark on the Test. The number eight is world-class player proven time and again at the highest level. His carrying ability will be essential for France in the collision area. Even more so he needs to inspire his team to a return to form. Big game and big test of his leadership.
Prediction
Even without Dupont and with their mixed efforts of late, Les Bleus are still a quality side and that will show in Cardiff. The stadium will be bouncing and between the Welsh players and fans, they will be doing their best to rattle the cage. However, France’s power game is too strong for Wales. Les Bleus by 16 points.
Previous results
2023: France won 41-28 in Paris
2022: France won 13-9 in Cardiff
2021: France won 32-30 in Paris
2020: France won 38-21 in Paris
2020: France won 27-23 in Cardiff
2019: Wales won 20-19 in Oita (RWC quarter-final)
2019: Wales won 24-19 in Paris
2018: Wales won 14-13 in Cardiff
The teams
Wales: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Josh Adams, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Alex Mann, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Mason Grady
France: 15 Leo Barre, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gaël Fickou, 12 Nicolas Depoortere, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Thomas Ramos, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Gregory Alldritt (c), 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 François Cros, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Alexandre Roumat, 21 Paul Boudehent, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram Moefana
Date: Sunday, March 10
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Damian Schneider (Argentina)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
