Matt Lloyd
BBC Sport at Cardiff Arms Park

What a perfect day for rugby here in Cardiff.

The sun is shining and there is a gentle breeze to keep everyone cool but not enough to bother the kickers.

Who will that suit better? Can't help think France will be more than happy with these conditions.

While the post-match analysis centred around an improved performance against Scotland, nothing can mask that the outcome continued a wretched run of results for Wales Women.

It is now just one win in 11 internationals, and that came in a World Cup warm-up game against Australia. Furthermore, history would suggest that they are up against it if they are to readdress the balance today.

France have won 22 of their 25 encounters with their hosts, with the last Welsh win coming back in 2016.

The 2025 clash in Brive finished 42-12 in favour of Les Bleus, and the visitors will kick-off today ranked fourth in the world, with Wales 12th.

Now, they do say, 'records are there to be broken' of course, but Sean Lynn and co will need more than cliches to notch a huge win this afternoon.

Image source, Getty Images

You don't get any prizes for being top of the table after round one, but that is where France found themselves after the 40-7 success over Italy.

Six different try-scorers comfortably sealed a bonus point win, and Francois Ratier will be keen to see more Gallic flair from his side in the Welsh capital.

Whisper it quietly, but they seemingly have the weather for it.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

It was Wales left pushing for a last-gasp score to beat Scotland last Saturday, but it is easy to overlook that the hosts actually led at half-time after being the better side for much of the first-half.

But the visitors assumed control after the break before that late rally, and in truth, the final score line of 24-19 was a fair reflection of the contest.

The Welsh showed they can carry threat with three tries, but Sean Lynn will want better game management if they get in front today.

Image source, Rex Features

For Francois Ratier, the win last week was soured by the serious knee injury to Joanna Grisez that will see the Stade Bordeaux centre ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

Speaking on Thursday about the impact the blow has had on his squad, he said: "Once we had the diagnosis, everyone got together, we talked about the subject.

"She is an absolute competitor, she herself said 'the adventure continues'. It affected the group at the time, but after that, we move forward."

Ratier also backed replacement Aubane Rousset, adding: "Aubane is a young player who is also very technical and who has the ability, because she is tall, to pass her arms, to make people play after her.

"She has a very nice pass on both sides. She's a very good defender too."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Sean Lynn talked the talk in the build-up to Scotland game, and he has continued the positive rhetoric this week despite the narrow defeat.

"We took a real step forward as a group of players, coaches and staff against Scotland and there was real evidence of what we have started to build," said Lynn.

"We still have work to do as a squad and coaches, but this is another game to hone the style of rugby we want to play.

"France are one of the best teams in the world and we know they will pose a real challenge, but this is about us delivering a performance and taking another step forward."

The head coach has also called on the fans to play their part again, after more than 10,000 turned out at the Principality Stadium to watch last weekend.

"The noise they generated really pushed the team forward in the closing minutes of the Scotland game," Lynn said.

"The supporters need to know how important they are and how much they inspire the players."

Opportunity knocks for Wales this afternoon against the formidable French. They will be well backed at the Arms Park and there were plenty of smiles on arrival.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

French skipper Manae Feleu was outstanding in her side's 42-12 home win over Wales last year, and sure enough she is fit to lead her side out in Cardiff today.

And it's a family affair for the 26-year-old, with sister Teani Feleu recalled to the bench.

New head coach Francois Ratier has largely kept faith with the side that hammered Italy.

However, after impressing off the bench in Grenoble, Aubane Rousset comes into the centre in place of the injured Joanna Grisez.

She is one of three backs with just one cap to their name, alongside vastly experienced campaigners in centre Gabrielle Vernier and scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus

France: Barrat; Grando, Rousset, Vernier, Murie; Arbez, Bourdon Sansus; Brosseau, Lazarko, Khalfaoui, Zago, Fall Raclot, Berthoumieu, M Feleu (capt), L Champon

Replacements: Riffonneau, Mwayembe, Deshaye, Soqeta, Escudero, A Chambon, T Feleu.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Much has been made of Sean Lynn's apparent intention to build for the future in this year's Six Nations, but for today he's handed a recall to one of Wales' most experienced performers.

After missing out on the matchday squad last weekend, Jasmine Joyce is recalled to the wing following the news that Lisa Neumann will miss the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

Another key change to the starting XV sees 19-year-old Seren Lockwood handed a first start at scrum-half with Keira Bevan dropping to the bench - meaning outside-half Lleucu George will take over goal-kicking duties.

But after announcing his side this week, Lynn was forced into a further change after Carys Cox withdrew injured, with Hannah Dallavalle promoted off the bench to centre and the uncapped Jenna de Vera added to the replacements.

Experienced lock Natalia John is also named on the bench and if utilised, will make her first Six Nations appearance since Wales beat Italy in April 2024.

Wales: Powell; Singleton, Dallavalle, Keight, Joyce; George, Lockwood; Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Aiono, Crabb, Lewis, Williams (capt), King

Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, John, Metcalfe, Evans, Bevan, De Vera.

Image source, Huw

So, here we go again. Wales Women looking to end two years of Six Nations pain with a win in front of their home fans in Cardiff.

Of course, this week the venue is the Arms Park and not the Principality Stadium, and the visitors are not Scotland, but France.

Last week, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance as Sean Lynn's new-look side pushed the Scots all the way, going down 24-19 amid a thrilling finish.

The French meanwhile, had few complications as they hammered Italy 40-7 in Grenoble to cement themselves as the early pace-setters in the Championship.

The hosts will need to go up a level today if they are to threaten a first win over France in a decade.

So without further ado, let's look at the team news for their acid test.