Spectre of England looms large for Wales in Six Nations

Sean Lynn insists Wales are closing the gap on the world's top nations despite another bruising defeat.

Lynn's wait for a Six Nations victory goes on after his side were out-played 38-7 by France in Cardiff.

And the odds of seven successive championship defeats stretching to eight look extremely high as they prepare to face England next.

Even the most optimistic Wales fan will be fearful of what the world and defending Six Nations champions could inflict at Ashton Gate next Saturday after their remarkable 84-7 thrashing of Scotland.

"I watched the first ten minutes of that game in the hotel before [Wales' match]. England have got a lot of firepower haven't they," said Lynn.

"I watched them against Ireland last week as well and you can see they have just got so much pace in the backs in Jess Breach and Ellie Kildunne.

"The big focus has to be on us, how do we move the dial, how are we fixing our processes in attack and defence."

Media caption,

Lynn excited by challenge despite winless Six Nations record

Wales have now lost 11 of their past 12 Tests and while they were rarely expected to beat France, they certainly had the visitors rattled at the Arms Park.

Pressure up front led to two swift yellow cards, either side of a penalty try, and plenty of uncharacteristic errors from Les Bleues.

But while Wales still held France to 7-7 at half-time, their failure to capitalise on a nine-minute period against 13 players told a story.

They also struggled to contain the inevitable backlash as France seized control with three tries in the space of 14 minutes early in the second half.

"We attempted 247 tackles, that's a lot and it does take its toll," said Lynn.

"We have to look to keep the ball more. It was the same against Scotland, we were forcing the ball.

"The set-piece did well in the first half but not in the second. We need to be more consistent in those areas."

Lynn insists his side are closing the gap on the leading nations.

"We went in level at half-time against a top four side and I thought the final scoreline was harsh," he added.

"It's just making sure we're getting better with the first 10-15 minutes of the second half and the bench needs to be making the sort of impact that France's did."

'Size doesn't matter'

There was certainly commitment, discipline, try-saving tackles and bodies on the line for Wales.

But there were limitations as well, not least in the kicking game which faltered, a young side still looking to solve problems on the pitch in the heat of battle and missed tackles as weary, lighter bodies slipped off powerful blue jerseys.