France Women produced an exhilarating performance to score 12 tries against Wales to win 76-5 in the inaugural Six Nations Under 21 Championship clash at Cardiff Arms Park.
Wales conceded six tries in each half as the blue tidal wave swept through a Welsh defence which at times was left clutching thin air as the visiting backline cut loose with the back three a constant threat with ball in hand.
France scored their first try in the second minute when Charlie Gauyat had a clear run clear to the line and four minutes later prop Amalia Bazola hurled herself over the Welsh try line despite the valiant attempts to stop her.
Under the leadership of Gwennan Hopkins, the home team showed a lot of character to enjoy a period of pressure in the 22 of their opponents – but against the run of play, France claimed the next score, as Aelig Tregouet secured her team’s third try and the first of her three on the night.
After almost half an hour France’s lead was 26 points after Gauyat claimed her second try, with the extras being added.
Wales had a player advantage for the rest of the first period after Anais Peralez’s offense and following Hanna Marshall’s intelligent diagonal kick, wing Gabby Healan collected the ball before showing her strength to open Wales account five minutes before the break.
But the last three minutes of the opening period proved to be key as Tregouet crossed for her second try before winger Alice Grandhomme consolidated France’s considerable advantage to give France a 40-5 lead at the break
The second half started similarly to the first period as the French scored in the opening two minutes. It was the turn of hooker Elina Folituu to score before Amalia Bazolo took her team to 50 points.
Five minutes later winger Iness Zeze further extended France’s advantage as the visitors’ confidence was flowing. There was no stopping France’s slick off-loading as they claimed four further tries before the final whistle through Iness Zeze, centre Aelig Tregouet, Aneymone Talalua and Maiana Gony as Wales finished the contest short of a player following Hanna Marshall’s yellow card.