The French XV took a “psychological blow” by beating the All Black at the start of the World Cup

No one is saying yet that France will become World Rugby champions on home soil on the evening of 28 October, but after the opening match of the World Rugby Championship on Friday 8 September in Saint-Denis, the international press was unanimous on one point. : The Blues shined by defeating New Zealand 27 to 13.

“France suffered a psychological blow by inflicting the All Blacks’ first defeat in the group stage.”“, writes Liam Napier in the New Zealand newspaper New Zealand Herald, Who enjoyed the match “Exciting, with many changes in leaders and palpable tension.”

new Zeland “They collapsed in the second half, suffering their first setback in thirty-two World Cup group stage matches.”“, he explains while speaking to Gavin Myers of the English newspaper Telegraph, “The Blues left a seismic mark by dominating New Zealand and providing a ferocious and exciting first chapter to the French fans in a tournament that promises to be the best ever.”

Stress management

It was not the quality of play provided by the Blues on Friday evening that stood out, but rather their ability to control the game in key moments despite the pressure.

“France was not exceptional, but they qualified after leading 9-8 in the first half and never gave up.”“, writes Liam Napier again. “In the art of managing pressure, and remaining calm in critical moments, France were light years ahead of the All Blacks.”Judge Gregor Paul, Special Envoy to Paris New Zealand Herald also. ” One team seemed to like pressure, the other didn’t.He explains, citing as an example the penalty kick awarded by the New Zealanders after scoring the first try of the match, or the yellow card received by Will Jordan in the second half, which left his teammates outnumbered for ten minutes.

Glaucoma “They maintained their presence at the match, benefiting from the generosity of the All Blacks, who continued to provide them with gifts until the situation deteriorated.”analyzes again, while confessing “A performance that really puts them as favorites to win their own tournament.”

He added: “France feels relieved after winning the first match, but despite the result, they know that they can perform much better.” For his part, Robert Kitson writes from the British newspaper Daily Watchman.

“What a start!” »For its part, the Italian newspaper said La Gazzetta dello Sport, While that “Glee Azuri” (“Blues”, the nickname of the Italian rugby squad) will face the French XV in the group stage. “France are off to an excellent start,” and “For Fabien Galtier’s team, this is an essential victory.” Roberto Baretta notes, for whom “The All Blacks seem to have returned to what they were two years ago, uncertain, without a logical and coherent thread, but above all without courage.”

“The All Blacks have to catch up with the elite nations in world rugby, and France is clearly one of them.”“, insists New Zealander Liam Napier.

“A volcanic French audience”

While the captain was the tricolor Antoine Dupont “He gave a distinct impression playing alone.” According to Gregor Paul, new Zealand Herald, “It was Thomas Ramos, the dazzling French full-back, who did the damage.”“, notes Gavin Myers of telegraph. The Stade Toulouse player actually scored seventeen of France’s twenty-seven points on the evening thanks to penalties and attempted conversions.

“France won without DuPont shining, and that in itself is a statement from the host country.”estimated Alex Lowe from the English newspaper timesfor whom “You’ll get it [des All Blacks] “Disappeared.”

The Blues will now continue three matches against more modest opponents: Uruguay on September 14, Namibia on September 21, and Italy on October 6.

He added: “This French team, four years in the making, has shown why it is so difficult to beat them, especially in front of such a volcanic French crowd.” (…) The All Blacks have exposed enough flaws to prove that the Blues are also a beatable team, which could characterize this World Cup, the most open ever.For his part, Jerry Thornley hopes toThe Irish TimesWhile Ireland, First world nation In the International Federation classification, it could meet France in the quarter-finals. “After this opening evening, confidence will now flow through the veins of the French.”he is afraid.