Wales head coach Steve Tandy claimed his side had improved despite another thumping Six Nations defeat to France on Sunday.

The reigning champions cruised to a 54-12 victory at a despondent Principality Stadium as Wales slumped to a 13th straight loss in the competition.

Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Matthieu Jalibert, Julien Marchand and Charles Ollivon all crossed, along with two tries for Theo Attissogbe in Cardiff.

The triumph marked France's largest margin of victory in the Welsh capital, surpassing their 36-3 win in 2000, as Wales conceded over 40 points for a fifth time in six games under Tandy.

But the Welsh boss believes his side produced a better performance than their first Six Nations outing against England last Saturday, when they suffered a 48-7 defeat.

"I definitely feel like that [felt like a step forward]," Tandy said after the hammering on BBC One.

"I thought we had moments in the game; our discipline was a lot better. I thought the set-piece was excellent, I thought we could've scored a few more tries.

"If you look at the athletes France have, if we kick a little too far, or if there's an offload, they come alive. You have to tip your hat to France and where they are as a team."

France with the big victory in Cardiff #GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/hvXkDJvCwl

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 15, 2026

Les Bleus scored eight tries on their way to a second bonus-point win that took them back to the top of the table, though it was contrasting feelings for a Wales side that have lost their last 10 Six Nations games at home.

"For us, it's transitioning; we're not where we want to be. Ultimately, we're at this point in our journey, but it's looking at where we have improved and keep building," Tandy added.

"It's our job as a team to get the support here. The general public has been amazingly supportive. I think they understand what part of the journey we're on.

"The only thing I can say is the effort the boys put in as a young group, they love the support and the connection to our community and our nation."

Thomas Ramos added seven conversions as the visitors eased to a thumping win, but Jalibert claimed the player-of-the-match award.

"I'm very pleased to be playing with such talented players," Jalibert told BBC One. "I also want to congratulate all the forwards who made a big effort to give us the opportunity to have some space.

"I'm happy playing with the whole team."