Wales face a daunting task when they host Six Nations champions France next weekend, with Steve Tandy's team struggling to contain the pressure on all fronts. The most obvious area of concern is defence, where Wales have conceded 248 points - including 34 tries - in just five games under Tandy. Their mauling at Twickenham exposed some mental flaws as well, particularly when it came to conceding penalties and allowing England easy tries.
Tandy himself has been struggling to spread himself thinly across all departments of the team, rather than concentrating on one area. The technical side of the game is also a concern, with lineouts malfunctioning and the backs failing to click into gear against England.
In contrast, France have continued to thrive under new coach Fabien Galthié, beating Ireland 36-14 in their opening match of the Six Nations campaign. Les Bleus tore apart Ireland's defence, scoring five tries and showcasing a devastating attacking display that has left many fearing for Wales' chances against them.
Former Welsh rugby stars Philippa Tuttiett and Emyr Lewis are among those who believe France will pose a significant threat to Wales on Sunday. Even former England wing Chris Ashton thinks the French team is much more refined than their previous performances, particularly when it comes to not giving away penalties and being switched on mentally.
Tuttiett fears that Wales' recent form may actually make them a better test for France than Ireland. "I hate to say this being Welsh but, as a rugby fan, I'm actually excited to see this France team and the brand of rugby they are playing," she said.
While Wales still have reason to be optimistic ahead of the match, their poor recent form leaves little room for error if they're going to stop France from repeating their success in the Six Nations. The challenge is daunting, but ultimately it's what makes Sunday's game so compelling - will Wales be able to overcome their struggles and get the better of Les Bleus?
Tandy himself has been struggling to spread himself thinly across all departments of the team, rather than concentrating on one area. The technical side of the game is also a concern, with lineouts malfunctioning and the backs failing to click into gear against England.
In contrast, France have continued to thrive under new coach Fabien Galthié, beating Ireland 36-14 in their opening match of the Six Nations campaign. Les Bleus tore apart Ireland's defence, scoring five tries and showcasing a devastating attacking display that has left many fearing for Wales' chances against them.
Former Welsh rugby stars Philippa Tuttiett and Emyr Lewis are among those who believe France will pose a significant threat to Wales on Sunday. Even former England wing Chris Ashton thinks the French team is much more refined than their previous performances, particularly when it comes to not giving away penalties and being switched on mentally.
Tuttiett fears that Wales' recent form may actually make them a better test for France than Ireland. "I hate to say this being Welsh but, as a rugby fan, I'm actually excited to see this France team and the brand of rugby they are playing," she said.
While Wales still have reason to be optimistic ahead of the match, their poor recent form leaves little room for error if they're going to stop France from repeating their success in the Six Nations. The challenge is daunting, but ultimately it's what makes Sunday's game so compelling - will Wales be able to overcome their struggles and get the better of Les Bleus?
I mean, I know Tandy and the lads are trying hard, but France have been on fire this season. That 36-14 thrashing of Ireland was insane! They're like a well-oiled machine, clicking on all cylinders. Wales need to step up their game if they wanna stop them, but it's gonna be tough 
. Tandy's gotta make some big changes if he wants his team to come out on top... maybe it's time for him to think outside the box 
i mean steve tandys gonna have to pull out all the stops just to keep up with france's fancy rugby skills. and honestly, 248 points conceded in 5 games is not exactly a great look for them... France is looking super sharp under fabien galthié, i'm not surprised they're giving ireland (and soon wales) a run for their money 
. Tandy needs to focus on one thing and nail it, but with France coming in so hot, it's gonna be tough for them to take their minds off the task at hand 
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! The way they tore apart Ireland's defense was insane 
. Tandy needs to make some tough decisions & pick his spots better 
. France looks like a solid bet for the win 
...
I'm not sure how bad things can get for Tandy's boys! 248 points conceded in just five games is a nightmare, especially when it comes to those tries. 
I do feel sorry for Wales though, I've been following them for years and it's always tough seeing them struggle like this. 
. France on the other hand are looking super solid under Fabien Galthié 
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. If Wales can contain France's attack and keep them to a minimum of tries, they might just stand a chance 
. But let's be real, it's gonna be tough 
. And that mental fatigue thing... yeah, it's not pretty to watch. On the other hand, France is just firing on all cylinders, and their attacking display against Ireland was insane 
. For Wales to have any hope, they need to tighten up their act and get their technical skills together ASAP 
. But honestly, it's hard to see them overcoming the pressure... 
. Meanwhile, France are on fire 
️ I love how Philippa Tuttiett says her team will be a better test for Wales than Ireland - it's true, Wales gotta bring their A game or else they'll get thrashed 
, i mean 5 tries against ireland is insane 
. steve tandy needs to focus on one area and fix those mental flaws ASAP 
. philippa tuttiett's comment about france being the better test for wales is so true 
. it's gonna be a tough game, but i love the optimism from the welsh fans 
can't wait for sunday!
. France, on the other hand, are looking solid under new coach Fabien Galthié 
! Tandy needs to focus on just one thing ASAP because all over the place is not working 
️. Can't wait to see if Wales can pull off an upset, tbh they're gonna need a miracle 
. They've been getting roasted by England and Ireland, and France seems like the perfect team to do it again. Tandy's tactics have been all over the place, and their defense is a mess 
. Don't get me wrong, I love Welsh rugby, but sometimes you gotta face reality 
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and it's wild how some places just get left behind. I mean, have you seen the pictures of these old parks? They're like something out of a zombie apocalypse movie! The thought that they were once popular attractions for families is just crazy. It made me think about how fast technology changes everything...