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'He didn't have his strongest game... I think he would think the same'
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Wales player ratings vs France | 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations
Wales player ratings: It ended as most expected, with France thrashing Wales at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, Steve Tandy’s side conceding a 54-12 defeat, their biggest home loss against France.
While much of the Welsh squad produced a lacklustre performance, Rhys Carré, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann swam tirelessly against the French tide.
1. Rhys Carré – 6
From a set-piece viewpoint, the Welsh front row did their job, stopping the opposition from earning any penalty advantages, with Carré handling Dorian Aldegheri well. Scored Wales’ first try from an unstoppable carry that injected some belief into his side.
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2. Dewi Lake – 5
Clean lineout sheet, commandeered a steady scrum and worked tirelessly to inspire some fighting spirit in a Welsh side that was under heavy pressure from the get-go. Despite losing track of Bielle-Biarrey once, the hooker made several assist tackles that slowed the French. On the negative side, his five missed tackles in 14 attempts were a poor defensive showing from a hooker who normally doesn’t miss his target.
3. Thomas Francis – 5
The veteran tighthead had a satisfactory set-piece performance, countering Jean-Baptiste Gros when the French prop tried to tear apart the Welsh scrum. Was pinged twice in the first half, caught deliberately slowing down the French ball exit.
Six Nations
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
France
2
2
0
0
10
2
Scotland
2
1
1
0
6
3
England
2
1
1
0
5
4
Italy
2
1
1
0
5
5
Ireland
2
1
1
0
4
6
Wales
2
0
2
0
0
4. Dafydd Jenkins – 5
Quiet game from the Exeter lock. Jenkins wasn’t the reason Wales seemed unable to match the French pack’s speed, but at the same time he appeared lost and struggled to find a way for his side to fight back. However, he was in far better form compared to his lock partner.
5. Adam Beard – 3
One of the most experienced players in Tandy’s team conceded several errors, with that grubber kick a prime example of the lock’s performance. When Wales had just recovered the ball to stop a French attack on their line, Beard carelessly kicked possession to assist Jalibert for the fly-half’s try. While he added stability to the Welsh lineout, Beard finished with a handful of missed tackles, lacking energy when his side needed it most.
6. Aaron Wainwright – 7
By far the most dynamic Welsh forward, winning good contact metres and forcing the French defence to commit extra tacklers to stop him, Wainwright looked determined to show there is still life in the Welsh ranks. Kept working and grinding until there was no energy left.
7. Alex Mann – 6
Had fewer chances to run than Wainwright, but Mann’s defensive work was positive overall, the Cardiff flanker leaving the pitch with 12 successful tackles and one turnover. In a match where France dominated possession, Mann was one of the few who showed heart and spirit.
8. Olly Cracknell – 4
The veteran Leicester Tigers number eight didn’t have the best showing, despite being one of his side’s primary ball carriers. Like most of his teammates, he made several tackling errors that opened the door to a French thrashing in Cardiff. Was replaced by Taine Plumtree after 50 minutes.
9. Tomos Williams – 7
By some distance the best Welshman on the pitch, Williams was determined to fend off France while searching for opportunities to give Welsh fans a reason to cheer. There is a case to be made about his excessive box kicking, but it wasn’t down to Williams that Wales were outmatched in the air, as the Welsh pursuers seemed disconnected.
10. Dan Edwards – 3
A kick that went out on the full and a handful of missed tackles summed up a tough afternoon, with Matthieu Jalibert able to outmanoeuvre the young Welshman. Wales needed a fly-half able to command the team, and Edwards wasn’t that player.
11. Josh Adams – 4
Off game for most of the afternoon, but the ball rarely found its way to Adams, who spent much of his time trying to stem the French onslaught.
12. Joe Hawkins – 5
A difficult night for Hawkins. The Scarlets inside centre was outmatched several times due to a lack of help from some of his backline teammates, making it almost impossible to stop the French attack.
13. Eddie James – 7
One of the few silver linings for Wales, the Scarlets centre delivered a strong performance, matching the French by winning several contact metres and igniting some fire in the Welsh attack. Ten successful tackles, one interception, two forced French errors and came close to scoring a try of his own, showing ambition and willpower.
14. Ellis Mee – 6
Wales’ first try came as a direct result of Mee finding a crack in the French defence, the wing running amok to place his side deep in the opposition 22. While he struggled at times against Thomas Ramos and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, he still managed to prevent further damage in the opening half. Would have finished higher but for four missed tackles, two of which led to French tries.
15. Louis Rees-Zammit – 6
Missed several tackles and added little to Wales’ attack, being quickly caught whenever he carried. However, there were two instances in which his involvement prevented France from scoring, securing one turnover and forcing a handling error. Assisted Mason Grady’s try. Improved after the break, but still far from a full-back suited to Wales’ current style.
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias – 3
Little to show for, like his fellow front-row replacements.
17. Nicky Smith – 4
Similar to Elias, although he finished with two dominant tackles.
18. Archie Griffin – 6
Good energy and heart, looked in better form than Francis.
19. Ben Carter – 5
Produced some strong carries and tried to make life difficult for France at the breakdown.
20. Taine Plumtree – 5
Came off the bench well and looked sharper than Beard. Crucial in regathering a loose ball that sparked a Welsh attack.
21. Kieran Hardy – N/A
22. Jarrod Evans – 3
Nothing noteworthy.
23. Mason Grady – 5
Scored his second try for Wales in a match in which he was barely involved.
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