The masterful Antoine Dupont earned a slice of Six Nations history as France commenced the 2025 tournament with a 43-0 demolition of Wales at the Stade de France.
The 28-year-old toyed with Warren Gatland's defence as he registered three assists in the first half, setting up Theo Attissogbe twice and also laying on the helper for Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the stroke of the break.
Having already set up four tries against Italy in a 2021 Six Nations match, Dupont became the first-ever player to register at least three assists in multiple matches in the competition.
Wales were relieved of their Dupont duties early in the second period, but Gatland's men still had no answer to France's raw power and sheer individual brilliance, while also lamenting the concession of frequent penalties.
Replacements Julien Marchand and Emilien Gailleton also crossed the line before Gregory Alldritt capped off a magnificent night's work for Fabien Galthie's team, who lived up to pre-game expectations and then some.
The only blot on the notebook for France was a red card for Romaine Ntamack, whose delightful kick set up Gailleton to score before he was ejected for a high shoulder on Dan Edwards, a disappointing end to his first international appearance in 17 months.
As for a woeful Wales, the visitors also lost Owen Watkin to a nasty-looking first-half injury on an evening where nothing went right for Gatland's men, who now head to Rome to meet Italy in round two on February 8.
The first-round Six Nations action continues on Saturday, as Scotland host Italy at Murrayfield Stadium before Ireland's mouthwatering clash with England in Dublin. body check tags ::
