By Graham Thomas
Wales might be entering their opening clash of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations as massive underdogs on Friday night, but for second row Will Rowlands, at least the match at the Stade de France will feel like home turf.
Currently playing his club rugby for Racing 92 in the Top 14, Rowlands is relishing the opportunity to start the tournament in the city where he now lives.
“The opening night of the Six Nations is always special, but playing against France in Paris, where I’m based, makes it even more exciting,” says Rowlands.
The former Dragons forward, who first faced France as a replacement in the 2020 Six Nations, has since tangled with Les Bleus in both the 2022 and 2024 campaigns.
This weekend will see him earn his 37th international cap and although he was not the influence in the autumn many had expected, his power and presence, means he is critical to any Welsh hopes of a revival.
“These are the moments you play professional rugby for. People may be writing us off, but that is the perfect place for us to be. We’ll just go there with little expectation.
“We’re confident that we can put together a strong performance, enjoy playing the way we want to play, and see where that takes us.”
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Wales and France have a long and storied rivalry in the Six Nations, with the sides having faced each other 103 times since their first encounter in 1908.
France hold a slight edge in the fixture, winning 50 of those matches to Wales’ 49, with four draws between them.
In recent years, France have dominated, winning the last six clashes including a commanding victory last year, 45-24 in Cardiff, when they emptied their bench of heavyweight forwards and Wales were over-powered.
But even though the overall record suggests a fair balance, the odds on this year’s clash can rarely have been as lopsided.
Bookmakers DragonBet seem to share the general view that France are near unbeatable as far as Wales are concerned.
They have France at 1/80 to win – not much value there – and Wales at 18/1, which is pretty good if you are still a Warren Gatland believer.
Despite this, Rowlands remains optimistic, defiant even.
“We have enormous respect for the quality of the French team, but the atmosphere is something that everyone is looking forward to. The occasion is something we are really excited to embrace.
“Everyone is well aware of the challenge we face. For me personally, playing in France and going back there with my national side adds another layer of meaning to the match.”
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After 12 straight Test defeats, Rowlands acknowledges that this tournament must be the time when Wales turn patchy performances into results.
“There is only one way out, one way up for us. There is always pressure when you play, but in some ways, it takes off a bit of pressure,” said Rowlands.
“The Six Nations is all about results—we know that. But I still stand by the fact that we have been in a period of development.
“We didn’t see the results we wanted in the autumn, but hopefully, we have learned from those experiences. Ultimately, we will be judged by our performances in this tournament.”
“As a team, we believe we can deliver performances that will build confidence and provide inspiration for the future.
“I’m 100% sure that if we deliver on those performances, the results will follow.”
Wales captain Jac Morgan agrees that the disregard for Wales has to be used as some form of heat for fire in their bellies.
Wales’ most recent triumph over France in Paris was six years ago, adding to the scale of the challenge but Morgan insists: “It drives us on a little bit as a squad, wanting to prove people wrong. We want to do the best we can as a team. So yes, we are trying to build that siege mentality.”
“We’ve spoken as a team that there’s a lot of noise outside, but we’ve just got to work together as a squad, as a whole bunch of boys, squads, coaches,” Morgan added.
Despite their struggles, Wales have been bolstered by the return of experienced players like Liam Williams, Josh Adams, and Nick Tompkins, while former Six Nations captain Dafydd Jenkins is also back following knee and shoulder surgeries.
While Wales look to upset the odds, France welcome back their talismanic captain, Antoine Dupont.
The scrum-half returns to Six Nations action after missing last year’s tournament to focus on the Olympics, where he led France to a gold medal in sevens.
Dupont’s return only strengthens an already formidable French outfit, with the Toulouse star having also guided his club to a domestic and European double last season.
“He doesn’t have any weaknesses,” Morgan admitted. “He’s a superb, dangerous player. He’s great for France and his club. It’s tough to play against him.”
Dupont may have no weaknesses, but Wales have plenty – too many to expect anything other than a home win.