Key events
After that defeat yesterday, what next for England?
It could a long afternoon if you are Welsh, is there anyone out there holding out some hope, or is it all being watched from between your fingers? Let me know this or anything else on the email.
Teams
Steve Tandy despatches Ben Thomas from the starting line-up, with Joe Hawkins returning to the 12 shirt. In the forwards Rhys Carre is back at prop, joined by Tomas Francis after his stint of non-selection due to playing in France.
Injuries and withdrawals for France bring a new centre partnership of Emilien Gailleton and Fabien Brau‑Boirie, replacing Moefana and Depoortere from last week’s Ireland win.
Wales
Louis Rees‑Zammit; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake, Tomas Francis; Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard; Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann, Olly Cracknell.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Mason Grady.
France
Thomas Ramos; Louis Bielle‑Biarrey, Emilien Gailleton, Fabien Brau‑Boirie, Theo Attissogbe; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont; Jean‑Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri; Charles Ollivon, Mickael Guillard; Francois Cros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch.
Replacements: Maxime Lamothe, Rodrigue Neti, Régis Montagne, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Lenni Nouchi, Baptiste Serin, Noah Nene.
Preamble
Who likes Disney sports movies? I’m partial to them myself on occasion. Sometimes the soul needs the warming elixir that can only be found in tales of bringing interracial harmony and victory to early 1970’s high school football, Mark Walhlberg being Mark Wahlberg but this time as a barman playing the NFL, or some plucky college and semi-pro hockey players defeating all of communism. Other inspirational narratives are also available.
How Wales would welcome some Disneyfication of their experience today. Trouble is these films are not documentaries, instead much of the content is “inspired” by real events; the rarity of an underdog not being absolutely lamped is that what makes the tales such a salve to the mood.
But that little glimmer of you-never-know-ism is what has fans returning despite the absolute dreck in front of them. Judging by the terrible ticket sales for this afternoon in Cardiff, fewer and fewer Wales fans can find that glimmer amidst the asphyxiating smoke of despair coming from the blaze started by their own governing body’s arson. Conversely, France arrive on the back of their most promising performance in nearly a year, with riches of squad and vibe burnished by England’s form yesterday opening the Grand Slam door.
You never know, they might make a movie about this result one day. Probably a YouTube one called “Rugby’s Greatest Hammerings, No 26”.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/feb/15/wales-v-france-six-nations-2026-rugby-union-live
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