Despite suffering another heavy defeat, in front of a record low crowd, Wales boss Steve Tandy remained optimistic after Wales’ match with France.

Tandy’s side were beaten 12-54 by France, with the visitors running in eight tries on another sorry day for the Welsh team. They are now bottom of the Six Nations, the only side without a win, and having only scored three tries so far in the tournament.

Sunday’s clash was also played out in front of 57,744 fans, a record low beating the previous worst attendance of 58,349 against Italy in 2002 when Wales were in another losing streak.

The French away support – eager to see their side potentially romp to another Six Nations title – seemed to outnumber the home support, if not in numbers, than in voice.

“We are disappointed with the scoreline but there was more in us in parts of the game,” said Tandy after the game.

“I know you’re all looking at me like I’m stupid, with the path we’re on, but there were glimpses with the set-piece and intent of how we wanted to go after the game.

“There was enough where we can go back on Tuesday and work on things. It’s not the scoreline we want but it’s part of the journey we’re on. Every nation is at different stages.

“We’ve got to focus on the things we did better, like discipline, and recognise there’s areas we need to grow.”

Perhaps the only outright positive from Sunday’s match was that Wales were able to keep all 15 players on the pitch for the full 80 minutes. The Welsh discipline under Tandy has been the major cause for concern, and while they were better on the weekend, their leaky defence continued to ship tries.

“I’m a coach, I understand as well,” said Tandy.

“Most people see the outcome and people will comment on things without always seeing the data. I’ve got an understanding of where we are. We’ve got young players and combinations coming in, we have to go through and experience it.”

Tandy insists his view is an optimistic one.

“I knew the challenge that it was, coming into Wales,” he added.

“It excites me about where we can go. Hopefully we can look back in 18 months time or whenever it is, and this was a part of it. We can’t click our fingers and be one of the best in the world. It’s a process.”

Wales do have some kinder fixtures coming up in the rest of the Six Nations campaign, hosting Scotland and Italy, as well as travelling to an out of sorts Ireland in between.

Tandy was keen to stress that his side have faced the four highest ranked teams in the world in their last four matches.

“There’s also the context of the six games we’ve played,” said Tandy, whose solitary win came against Japan with the last kick of the game.

“If you look at the teams we’re playing, not that it’s an excuse for the numbers of points we’re conceding, we’re playing ruthless sides.

“So there has to be an understanding of who we’re playing. We know where we want to be as a team, but also know where we are.

“We’re 11th in the world and have won two in 20-plus games.”

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