The nine circles of hell, as depicted in Dante’s Inferno, represent a gradual descent into increasing levels of sin and punishment—from the first circle, Limbo, to the ninth circle, which is reserved for the worst sinners. Each level represents various types of wrongdoing and the corresponding punishment.
If there were a rugby equivalent (perhaps we could call it Jonathan Danty’s nine circles of rugby hell) then Wales would have felt like they were entering the ninth circle on Friday night facing a French team led by Antoine Dupont whilst being on the crest of a slump with twelve consecutive defeats under their belts.
Welsh rugby and its administrators have been regular visitors to all nine circles over the last few years and show no signs of leaving the vicinity anytime soon.
In The Divine Comedy, Dante, (as opposed to Danty), passes through the gates of Hell, which bear the inscription ‘Abandon all hope, ye who enter here’, the Stade de France felt a bit like that for Wales last night, as they began their 2025 Guinness Six Nations campaign.
France home internationals are gradually starting later and later, this one had edged out to a 9.15pm kick off, a time when this aged rugby writer is usually making his final preparations for bed time. But this is Paris, and if New York is the city that never sleeps, then the French capital is the city that will grab a quick cat nap, down a few espressos and just keep going.
The boys in blue find the nocturnal battles to their liking although to be fair it would be stretching the imagination to call this one sided match a battle.
Wales held out for the opening seventeen minutes before the French wingers took flight, the French crowd were less prudent and the first Mexican wave arrived after only five minutes.
A 28-0 half time lead allowed France the luxury of sparing their main men with Antoine Dupont replaced on 49 minutes followed by a raft of other changes with Twickenham in mind.
Wales struggled to cross the gain line often kicked aimlessly and showed no penetration or ingenuity in attack they are a pretty depressing watch at the moment.
France’s only concern after their 43-0 victory was the red card given to Romain Ntamack, he will be a big loss in the tougher games that lie ahead.
So Wales eternal quest for a victory continues and the next opportunity to halt the descent comes in seven days time ironically in Dante’s home-Italy.
Paris may be the city of lights but here in the early hours of a chilly Saturday morning there is nothing but darkness for Wales.
Read Gareth Edwards and Antoine Dupont’s stories in my new book Behind Enemy Nines available from Amazon via the link below for just £5.99 post free. kindle version only £2.99.
Mike Pearce Rugby 