France batter beleaguered Wales with record 54-12 win in Cardiff

Feb 15 - Matthieu Jalibert put in a masterful display at flyhalf as France ran in eight tries in a record 54-12 bonus-point victory over beleaguered Wales in their Six Nations Championship clash at a subdued Principality Stadium on Sunday.

France top the Six Nations table with a full haul of 10 points as the only side to have won both of their matches, with Wales bottom having conceded 102 points so far.

Wing Theo Attissogbe managed two tries and centre Fabien Brau-Boirie crossed on his debut as the home side lost for the 13th consecutive time in the Six Nations, with two wins in their last 25 tests, both against Japan.

Defending champions France's 54 points are the most they have managed against Wales, topping the 51-0 win at Wembley in 1998 which remains their largest margin of victory. It is, however, their biggest win in Cardiff.

"Very pleased with the performance and that we got the bonus point," France centre Emilien Gailleton said. "We had a lot of ball to carry, so we were pleased with that."

Jalibert was superb as the conductor for France, with his clever kicks and ability to spot space a constant threat.

"It was an outstanding performance (from Jalibert), with his special kicks. He is an amazing player."

Gailleton, wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Jalibert, hooker Julien Marchand and lock Charles Ollivon also crossed for French tries as they mixed slick handling skills with power against a defence that could not cope.

In the last year, Wales have conceded more than 50 points to England (68), Argentina (52), New Zealand (52) and South Africa (73).

There were 31 missed tackles by the home side and a 68% tackle success rate overall. Until coach Steve Tandy can find a way to tighten up their defence, they will struggle.

"We were a lot better than last week (a 48-7 loss to England) but there is still a lot to work on in our game," Wales captain Dewi Lake said. "It is always a privilege to put this jersey on, that will never change.

"But morale comes from the scoreboard, the disappointment. We will be happier with what we put out on the field this week."

Wales scored two tries through prop Rhys Carre and Mason Grady but have just 19 points in two games in this year's championship.

The attendance of 57,744 was the lowest in Cardiff for a Six Nations match, and there was a large contingent of French supporters to boot.

Welsh fans are beginning to vote with their feet, which will be a big concern for the cash-strapped rugby union.

"Ultimately it is our job to want to make people want to come and watch games," Lake admitted. "We are a side that is not getting results but we are growing as a team." REUTERS