Antoine Dupont’s return to the Six Nations was nothing short of spectacular as he led France to a commanding 43-0 victory over Wales in the tournament opener held on January 31, 2025. This match marked Dupont’s first appearance in the Six Nations since 2022, after he missed the previous tournament to focus on Olympic preparations for Rugby Sevens, which France ultimately won[1][2][4].
Match Highlights
- Dominant Performance: France’s victory was characterized by a clinical display, with Dupont contributing significantly by providing three assists within just 50 minutes of play[1][3][5]. The French side quickly established control, scoring four tries in the first half, including two each from wingers Théo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, leading to a halftime score of 28-0[2][3].
- Second Half Scoring: The scoring continued in the second half with tries from substitutes Julien Marchand, Émilien Gailleton, and number eight Grégory Alldritt, further sealing the comprehensive win[1][5][8].
Welsh Struggles
Wales faced their 13th consecutive Test defeat, marking a historic low as they failed to score in a Six Nations match for the first time since 1998[2][3]. The defeat added pressure on head coach Warren Gatland and highlighted ongoing struggles within the Welsh squad[4][8].
Controversy
The match was marred by a late incident involving French fly-half Romain Ntamack, who received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Welsh player Ben Thomas. This dismissal is expected to sideline him for crucial upcoming matches against England and Ireland[1][6][8].
Overall, Dupont’s performance not only showcased his exceptional skills but also set a strong tone for France’s campaign in this year’s Six Nations Championship.
Citations:
[1] https://www.planetrugby.com/news/staggering-antoine-dupont-thrills-in-six-nations-victory-over-wales-but-romain-ntamacks-stupidity-could-have-dire-consequences
[2] https://apnews.com/article/france-wales-six-nations-dupont-7d5637acd39a08a184b7ff784552dd38
[3] https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cpvmdx4z9ego
[4] https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/43639730/six-nations-antoine-dupont-stars-france-thrash-wales-opener
[5] https://www.sabcsport.com/rugby/news/antoine-dupont-on-fire-as-france-thrash-wales-in-six-nations-opener
[6] https://www.planetrugby.com/news/france-v-wales-five-takeaways-as-exquisite-brilliance-of-antoine-dupont-dazzles-but-grass-roots-of-regeneration-and-growth-for-wales
[7] https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/france-dominates-wales-in-six-nations-2025-opener-173169
[8] https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/wales-thrashed-in-six-nations-opener-by-antoine-dupont-inspired-france-1725027.html
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpaPo1DO12I
[10] https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/wales-thrashed-six-nations-opener-222605707.html
