Wales head coach Sean Lynn maintains his team is narrowing the gap with rugby's elite despite a 38-7 defeat to France in Cardiff, extending their winless streak in the Women's Six Nations to seven matches.
Lynn's squad now faces the monumental challenge of hosting the world champion England side next Saturday at Ashton Gate. The Red Roses delivered a staggering 84-7 victory over Scotland just hours before Wales took the field, casting a long shadow over the upcoming fixture.
"I watched the first ten minutes of that England game from the hotel," Lynn admitted. "They have immense firepower. Watching them against Ireland last week as well, you see the sheer pace in their backline with players like Jess Breach and Ellie Kildunne. Our primary focus must be on ourselves—how we improve our processes in attack and defence."
Despite the lopsided final score, Wales showed moments of promise against France. The home side's pressure forced two quick yellow cards and a penalty try, rattling the visitors and creating uncharacteristic errors. The teams were locked 7-7 at halftime, but Wales failed to capitalize on a nine-minute period where France was reduced to 13 players.
The match turned decisively early in the second half as France scored three tries in just 14 minutes, overwhelming a tiring Welsh defence.
"We attempted 247 tackles—that's an enormous number, and it takes its toll," Lynn explained. "We need to maintain possession better. It was similar against Scotland; we were forcing play. Our set-piece was solid in the first half but not in the second. Consistency in those areas is crucial."
The coach remains optimistic about the team's trajectory. "We were level at halftime against a top-four nation, and I believe the final score was harsh," he said. "We are closing the gap. The key is improving our performance in the first 10-15 minutes after halftime and ensuring our substitutes make the impactful contributions that France's bench did."
Wales has now lost 11 of its last 12 Test matches. While the team demonstrated clear commitment, discipline, and desperate try-saving tackles against France, limitations were evident. A faltering kicking game, a young squad solving problems in real-time, and missed tackles as lighter bodies fatigued against powerful opponents highlighted the areas needing immediate attention before the formidable English arrive.