Six Nations Super Saturday continues in Paris this afternoon as Les Bleus hope to keep their title hopes alive. The defending champions must win handsomely at the Stade de France and then hope for a huge favour from old rivals England in Dublin later to destroy Ireland’s Grand Slam dreams and pip the world’s top-ranked team at the last. Unlikely yes, but stranger things have happened.
France should hold up their end of the bargain as they return to home soil today, fresh from a seven-try, 43-point rout at Twickenham last weekend that was England’s heaviest-ever home defeat. Confidence will now be back to soaring levels in Fabien Galthie’s camp after their first Six Nations win on English territory since 2005, just what they needed with the small matter of a home Rugby World Cup looming in the autumn.
Warren Gatland’s Welsh side have endured a dismal tournament for the most part against a backdrop of an ongoing domestic crisis in the sport, though should at least avoid the wooden spoon after that much-needed bonus-point win in Rome last weekend. Follow France vs Wales in the Six Nations live below!
Live updates
Today’s venue
The calm before the inevitable storm in Paris.
Expecting plenty of Welsh fans in attendance at the magnificent Stade de France this afternoon, as there were at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico seven days ago.
Two French changes as Uini Atonio returns
That’s two French changes from the XV that started the demolition of England at Twickenham in round four.
First-choice tighthead Uini Atonio is back from the three-game suspension he incurred for his dangerous tackle on Ireland hooker Rob Herring during last month’s thriller in Dublin.
He replaces Dorian Aldegheri, who had to start against England with Mohamed Haouas also suspended following his red card in the win over Scotland.
Aldegheri isn’t in the squad today with Sipili Falatea providing tighthead cover.
Fabien Galthie’s other change is in the second row, where Paul Willemse misses out with a hamstring injury and is replaced by the towering Romain Taofifenua, who packs down next to Thibaud Flament.
Otherwise it’s as you were, with Francois Cros continuing to deputise for the injured Anthony Jelonch in the back row.
Jonathan Danty continues in the midfield alongside Gael Fickou with Yoram Moefana in reserve, while Montpellier lock Bastien Chalureau is set to earn only his third cap and first minutes of the tournament from the bench.
France vs Wales prediction
France still have a slight chance of defending their title, but they must not let attentions drift to start dreaming of an unlikely England upset in Dublin.
The focus has to stay on Wales, who have been dreadful for most of the Six Nations but did get that confidence-boosting win in Rome last weekend.
France were just phenomenal at Twickenham and even if they play with only half the intensity and ferocious tempo here, it should still be enough to triumph comfortably.
France to win by 17 points.
Wales lineup
Wales XV: Rees-Zammit; Adams, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Biggar, Webb; W Jones, Owens (c), Francis, Beard, AW Jones, Wainwright, Tipuric, Faletau.
Replacements: Roberts, Thomas, Lewis, D Jenkins, Reffell, T Williams, O Williams, Halfpenny.
France lineup
France XV: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Dumortier; Ntamack, Dupont (c); Baille, Marchand, Atonio, Flament, Taofifenua, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt.
Replacements: Mauvaka, Wardi, Falatea, Chalureau, Macalou, Lucu, Moefana, Jaminet.
How to watch France vs Wales
TV channel: In the UK, France vs Wales is being broadcast live on ITV this afternoon, with coverage beginning at 1:55pm GMT.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online by visiting the ITV website or ITVX app.
The match is also available to watch via Welsh-language TV channel S4C and S4C Clic online.
Welcome to France vs Wales LIVE coverage!
Good afternoon and welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of France vs Wales.
It’s Super Saturday as the 2023 Six Nations reaches an exciting crescendo, with the defending champions still holding out hope of a dramatic last-gasp title success.
France must put Wales to the sword in Paris this afternoon and then hope that England, fresh off their record home defeat by Les Bleus last weekend, can pull off a major upset against Grand Slam-chasing Ireland in Dublin later in the evening.
But it’s all a moot point if Warren Gatland’s Welsh side can spring a shock of their own of course, having likely avoided a first wooden spoon for 20 years with a crucial bonus-point win over Italy in round four.
Kick-off at the Stade de France today is at 2:45pm GMT, so stay tuned for all the title permutations, match build-up, thoughts from both camps, latest team news, lineups and minute-by-minute game updates.
