France Extends Unbeaten Run with Record Win
CARDIFF, Wales – The French national rugby team showcased a dominant display of skill and power on Sunday, February 15, 2026, defeating Wales with a resounding 54-12 victory in the Six Nations Championship. The match, held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, saw France score an impressive eight tries, maintaining their unbeaten record and emerging as the sole undefeated team after two rounds of the tournament.
The decisive win marked a record scoreline for France against Wales, surpassing their previous high of 51-0 set in 1998. France, favored to win back-to-back titles, demonstrated a fluid, 'sevens style' of play, characterized by keeping the ball alive, offloading, and slicing through the Welsh defense.
Key Performances and Try Scorers
The French offensive was spearheaded by several standout performances. Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert was named 'man of the match' for his masterful orchestration of the attack, scoring one try and assisting on three others.
- New centers Fabien Brau-Boirie (20) and Émilien Gailleton (22), both from Pau, made significant impacts, with both touching down for tries.
- Wing Théo Attissogbe contributed two tries to France's tally.
- Additional tries were scored by Louis Bielle-Biarrey, hooker Julien Marchand, and lock Charles Ollivon.
- Thomas Ramos successfully converted seven of France's eight tries.
Context and Coach's Remarks
France's victory extends Wales' Six Nations losing streak to 13 matches since 2023. The match saw a smaller attendance than usual for a Welsh home game, with approximately 57,744 spectators present, the smallest crowd since the tournament expanded in 2000.
French coach Fabien Galthié commented on the team's performance, stating, 'There's great maturity in this team but also lots of young guys. And we need those (older) players to keep us on the straight and narrow and make sure we don't get carried away.' France will host Italy in Lille in their next fixture, while Wales will remain at home to face Scotland.
5 Comments
KittyKat
Back-to-back titles look certain for France. They are operating on a completely different level.
Eugene Alta
The French performance was certainly impressive, especially from their young talents like Brau-Boirie and Gailleton. Yet, one has to wonder if Wales' current struggles are making other teams look better than they actually are.
Noir Black
This Six Nations is becoming far too predictable with France so dominant. Where's the competition?
Katchuka
Unbelievable skill and teamwork from the French. Truly deserved that record win.
Muchacha
France was absolutely unstoppable! What a dominant display.