The Twickenham Show should be a common thread among the Blues

In the great fifteenth history of France, the party performed on Saturday by Antoine Dupont and his companions at the expense of the English at Twickenham will occupy a favourable place. The venue, the opponent, the extent of the score, the quality of the game played and the tries scored all combine to give this success the ‘Legendary Match’ title.

In the great fifteenth history of France, the party performed on Saturday by Antoine Dupont and his companions at the expense of the English at Twickenham will occupy a favourable place. The venue, the opponent, the extent of the score, the quality of the game played and the tries scored all combine to give this success the ‘Legendary Match’ title.

But we can also reduce the focal length and focus on the value that should be given to it in Fabian Galletti’s Blues Path. On this team’s horizon, however, is the Holy Grail: the World Cup in France in September. With less than six months to go, this successful coup at the heart of the winter season when doubt began to creep in is undoubtedly a defining moment, a game-changing moment in the progression of this team. Its importance can undoubtedly be compared to the victory notched against the All Blacks in November 2021 (40-25). Maybe better, but we’ll come back to this.

They entered the elite. The hardest thing is staying there.

Asked on Saturday what place he placed on this victory in the 27 victories that have marked his state, Fabian Galthe was assessed, preferring to remain emotional rather than create an arrangement. “It is difficult to judge. But anyway we decided to launch the match. For many reasons, we had to make a big match and we did.”

Since Fabian Galletti took over, the fifteenth car in France has followed a fairly linear path. His journey looks like a build. The 53 points conceded to England encourages us to reconsider the main stages.

France – England, February 2, 2020 (24-17). This is the foundational game for this generation. The English arrived in Paris crowned by their World Cup status and the manner in which they defeated the All Blacks in the semi-finals. Eddie Jones, their coach, predicts a nightmare for the Blue Kids this afternoon. But it was the English who were swept away by the Tricolor Hurricane, with three attempts, two of which were signed by Captain Charles Ollivon. Aggressive defense, dazzling attacks, a clear game project led by articulator Antoine Dupont – Romain Ntamac: the foundations are laid.

Wales – France, February 22, 2020 (23-27). It has been ten years since the Blues won in Cardiff. What their victory over Wales will reveal is their strength of mind. This generation loves challenges and they have a brain. Sean Edwards, the great guru of the “blitz defense,” gives him the weapons, and whets his appetite for this exercise. The French score three attempts, including one on an interception by Ntamak. After harassing the Welsh, the Blues fight back and this piece of defensive bravery, in an overexcited atmosphere, is a first flick.

France – New Zealand November 20, 2021 (40-25). It is the victory that propelled the DuPont generation into another dimension. Even when less dominant, All Blacks remain the standard value. Arriving at the Stade de France, the New Zealanders are up to the wall. They lost in Ireland. They will also be struck by lightning, for which they will receive three attempts in the first half hour. But they would come back in the game with such talent that even an insane boost from Netmac would rock the match fifteen minutes from time. This success changes the world’s view of the blues. They entered the elite. The hardest thing is staying there.

France – Ireland February 12, 2022 (30-24). Of France’s five Grand Slam matches in the 2022 tournament, victory over the Irish will remain the Blues’ strongest performance. As is often the case, Fabian Galletti’s players were able to hit quickly and get away with the score thanks in particular to Melvyn Jaminet’s boot. But like the All Blacks, Andy Farrell’s men will be back in the French’s wake. They would score three tries before Cyril Bale gave his people some air. But this success gives guarantees of consistency.

England-France March 11, 2023 (10-53). Is this the most successful match in the reign of Fabian Galthi? Possibly, but of course it has to be borne in mind in view of the weakness of the England team. But the important thing is that it revives a dynamic that we felt has stalled since the fall. We found the blues in their ability to rally for a big meeting. What also stands out is this perfect balance in the game, between the interest in not revealing oneself and the desire to attack, to express this amazing offensive talent. As well as the satisfaction of making history, what has to be left of Twickenham is a course of action.

Tournament update

France were still looking for the championship, but after Ireland’s victory over Murrayfield, their chances had diminished. The Irish, who lead by four points, will host England on Saturday at the end of this edition. The French, trailing on goal average (-20), will therefore have to beat the Welsh, if possible with the attacking bonus and hope of an achievement from the English in Dublin.