The stage is set for an electrifying encounter at the Stade de France this Friday as France welcomes Wales for the highly anticipated kickoff of the 2025 Six Nations Championship. The match is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. UK time and promises to be a thrilling spectacle for rugby fans.

Match Preview

France enters this match as strong favorites, brimming with confidence and looking to continue their impressive form. Following a spectacular series of victories, including triumphs over top-tier teams like New Zealand and Argentina last November, the French team is eager to capitalize on their home advantage. A win against Wales would not only boost their morale but also deepen the woes of their opponents, who are grappling with a daunting 12-game losing streak.

On the other hand, Wales, under the astute guidance of head coach Warren Gatland, is determined to defy the odds. Despite a tumultuous run of form, Gatland believes that his team has the tenacity to pull off a stunning upset. With key players like Liam Williams and Josh Adams returning to the squad, Wales hopes to conjure up the same spirit that led them to glory in 2019.

Key Details

• Date & Time: Friday, January 31, 2025, at 8:15 PM UK
• Venue: Stade de France, Paris
• How to Watch: Live coverage will be available on ITV (UK) and you can stay updated with live commentary on ESPN.

Referee and Officials

• Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)
• Assistant Referees: Chris Busby (Ire) & Jordan Way (Aus)
• Television Match Official: Brett Cronan (Aus)

Team Lineups

France:

• Starting XV: Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Alexandre Roumat, Emmanuel Meafou, Francois Cros, Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont (captain), Romain Ntamack, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Yoram Moefan, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Theo Attissogbe, Leo Barre.
• Bench: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Georges-Henri Colombe, Hugo Auradou, Mickel Guillard, Oscar Jegou, Nolann Le Garrec, Emilien Gailleton.

Wales:

• Starting XV: Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Jac Morgan (captain), Aaron Wainwright, Tomos Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Owen Watkin, Nick Tompkins, Tom Rogers, Liam Williams.
• Bench: Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray.

Injury Updates

For France, the spotlight shines on the dynamic half-back duo Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, who are crucial to their game plan. However, they will be without winger Damien Penaud, sidelined due to a toe injury, leaving space for talented newcomer Theo Attissogbe.

Wales’ hopes have been slightly dampened by the absence of veteran Taulupe Faletau, but the return of experienced players will bolster their chances.

As the excitement mounts, fans around the world are poised for what promises to be a memorable encounter, setting the tone for this year's Six Nations. Can Wales break their losing streak and make a statement, or will France continue their dominance on home soil? Only time will tell!