Ex-Waratahs coach forced to watch horror show as Wales draw a record low Six Nations crowd
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Wales coach Steve Tandy admits there are no easy solutions to their struggles after a 54-12 Six Nations defeat to France on Monday (AEDT), but is adamant they are an improving team following a fixture played in front of a record low crowd in Cardiff.
France ran in eight tries as they managed their highest tally of points against Wales, and recorded their biggest win in the Welsh capital.
Wales were dire in a 48-7 loss to England on the opening weekend and Tandy believes they got a lot more right this time round.
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Alex Mann of Wales looks dejected. Getty
However, they came up against a French side that smelled blood and went for the jugular.
"It definitely did feel like a step forward," former NSW Waratahs defence coach Tandy said.
"I don't think we threw many punches last week. We had moments in this game and discipline was much better.
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"The set-piece, the scrum, was excellent. We won a lot of lineout ball. We probably could have scored a few more tries, but there was more to see in terms of where we can go as a team."
France raced into a 19-0 lead but just before half time Wales had reduced the deficit to 19-7, only to concede a try that changed the momentum again.
"I was really disappointed with the last couple of minutes of the first half," Tandy said.
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"The boys' effort and the way they worked, coming in at 19-7 would have been a good moment and probably a transitional moment for us.
"We got a good turnover at the breakdown where it might have been a chance to change that field position. But it's part of the journey we're on."
A record low Six Nations crowd of 57,744 were at the Principality Stadium, with a large contingent of those French fans.
Empty seats are seen due to a low amount of ticket sales. Getty
Tandy urged Wales supporters to stick with the team, even as he admitted the immediate future looks difficult.
"It's not where we want to be as a team, particularly the scoreline," he said.
"But ultimately we are at this point of our journey. It's about looking at where we have improved from last week and keep building, because it isn't a quick fix.
Steve Tandy of Wales looks on. Getty
"It's our job as a team to get the supporters here. The public has been amazingly supportive, I think they understand what part of the journey we're on."
Matthieu Jalibert put in a masterful display at flyhalf for France, who top the Six Nations table with a full haul of 10 points.
France are the only side to have won both of their matches, with Wales bottom having conceded 102 points so far.
Antoine Dupont of France takes on Dan Edwards. Getty
Winger Theo Attissogbe managed two tries and centre Fabien Brau-Boirie crossed on his debut as the home side lost for the 13th consecutive time in the Six Nations.
Once-proud Wales have two wins in their last 25 Tests, both against Japan.
"Very pleased with the performance and that we got the bonus point," France centre Emilien Gailleton said.
Theo Attissogbe of France scores his team's sixth try. Getty
"We had a lot of ball to carry, so we were pleased with that."
Jalibert was superb as the conductor for France, with his clever kicks and ability to spot space a constant threat.
"It was an outstanding performance (from Jalibert), with his special kicks. He is an amazing player."
Matthieu Jalibert of France warms up at Stade de France. Getty
In the last year, Wales have conceded more than 50 points to England (68), Argentina (52), New Zealand (52) and South Africa (73).
There were 31 missed tackles by the home side and a 68% tackle success rate overall.
Until Tandy can find a way to tighten up their defence, they will struggle.
Waratahs coach Steve Tandy talks to players. Getty
"We were a lot better than last week (a 48-7 loss to England) but there is still a lot to work on in our game," Wales captain Dewi Lake said.
"It is always a privilege to put this jersey on, that will never change.
"But morale comes from the scoreboard, the disappointment. We will be happier with what we put out on the field this week."
Welsh fans are beginning to vote with their feet, which will be a big concern for the cash-strapped union.
"Ultimately it is our job to want to make people want to come and watch games," Lake admitted.
"We are a side that is not getting results but we are growing as a team."
Scotland upset England 31-20 on Sunday (AEDT) and Ireland saw off Italy 20-13.
Scotland lost to Italy in the opening round.
"I'm extremely proud," Scotland's Melbourne-raised captain Sione Tuipulotu said.
Sione Tuipulotu in action for Scotland. Getty
"To go through what we went through last week really hurt and we understood because we deserved it. Ultimately Italy were better than us. We really felt like our backs were against the wall and we showed up today.
"I felt guilty. Head coaching is a hard job because when it is going well you get all the positives but when it is not going well you get all of the criticism.
"We got behind our coach (Gregor Townsend) this week. I'm proud of the boys for getting behind our coach and delivering a performance."
