Wales side have conceded FIFTEEN tries since beating Italy in February after latest loss to France… and boss Wayne Pivac vows to tighten up leaky defence for Six Nations finale against Scotland
- Antoine Dupont inflicted most of the damage, scoring two of five French tries
- Wales boss Wayne Pivac has now won just one of five Tests in charge of the side
- Lock Bernard le Roux was cited for striking Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones
- Aaron Wainwright said they will be better for having had a warm-up match
Wales need to plug holes in their leaky defence after their fourth consecutive defeat – this time against France on Saturday.
Wayne Pivac‘s side have now conceded 15 tries in those games since beating Italy 42-0 at the start of the Six Nations in February.
Scrum-half Antoine Dupont inflicted most of the damage, scoring two of five French tries, as Nicky Smith and Leigh Halfpenny crossed for Wales.
Wales have vowed to plug holes in their leaky defence after losing to France on Saturday
Wayne Pivac’s side lost their fourth straight game and have conceded 15 tries since February
Pivac has now won just one of five Tests in charge, and his side are keen to write the wrongs quickly with the culmination of the paused Six Nations coming this Saturday when they face Scotland.
Lock Bernard le Roux was cited for striking Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones with his arm in the first half of the match. If banned he would miss the Ireland match next week.
Flanker Aaron Wainwright said they will be better for having had a warm-up match, despite the big defeat.
Charles Ollivon (pictured) helped pile the misery on Pivac’s side as he crossed to score a try
‘The step up from regional to international rugby is different,’ he said.
‘We probably didn’t cope with it very well, but we’re looking forward to the challenge of Scotland next week.
‘It’s been seven months without an international so to have that game was massive for us getting ready for Scotland.
‘International rugby is a lot more intense. The speed of the game is a lot faster and decision making, you have to be a lot more careful with. That can have a massive impact on the game.
Lock Bernard le Roux (right) was cited for striking Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones with his arm
‘In regional games we’ve had no crowds and it took a couple of games to adapt to that. International rugby the crowds are a lot bigger, there’s a lot more energy in the stadium.
‘Not having that there, from a players’ point of view we did miss that. Hopefully we can put it right next week.’ Dupont was France’s star in Paris and Pivac credited the No 9’s impact.
‘He’s a very talented player,’ said the head coach. ‘In my opinion, he’s world class and he showed that again.’
While another loss for the boss, Pivac did manage to blood two new players – hooker Sam Parry and wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who were joined by their friends and families via Zoom for their cap presentations after their debuts.
Flanker Aaron Wainwright (second left) said they will be better for having a warm-up match
‘We’re very pleased to get those two out there to experience the Test match arena,’ added Pivac.
‘They’re disappointed with the result, like everyone is.
‘Sam had a good chunk of game time and was heavily involved. Louis, for a young man, now has a taste of the Test arena.
‘They’ll both be better for those performances.’