France – Japan: after months of turmoil and issues, the Blues return to the field

And gradually, everything returns to normal. Antoine Dupont will once again set foot on the Marcoussis lawn. The lucky players put on the blue starting bib, while the substitutes or those outside the group overcame the choice of the staff as respectfully as possible by wearing the white one .

In front of the media, Fabien Galthié justifies this or that choice in his team to face Japan this Saturday at the Stade de France. There is talk of the demotion of Charles Ollivon and Gaël Fickou, the benches of the whimsical Matthieu Jalibert for the metronome Thomas Ramos, the absence of the brilliant Baptiste Serin and Baptiste Couilloud… Enough to stimulate endless debates among the 67 million French Electors .

Classic week has never been so enjoyable. Real relief among those involved in French rugby. For the first time in four months, there is no question of rape, excess, or the disappearance of a 17-year-old. Be careful, that doesn’t mean we won’t forget. The trauma of the summer stays with you forever. And we must practice it so that we never experience that again.

May the party be beautiful

Now it’s time to play. Talking rugby. To judge performance and nothing else. Facing Japan, a new era is beginning. Little by little, frames will be deleted. Uini Atonio (34 years old, 62 caps) and Romain Taofifenua (34 years old, 52 caps) are gradually giving to the next generation (Tatafu, Colobe, Guillard, Meafou). Gaël Fickou (30 years old, 90 caps) could be part of this castle but something tells us that the Racingman still needs to be given to this team.

A year after the disaster of elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup against South Africa (28-29), the wounds have been closed. The excuse of the physical and psychological stigma regarding such a problem no longer holds. Now, the rage and discontent must be transformed into motivation to seek the Grail in 2027, in Australia.

The glimpses of revival were seen at the end of the last Six Nations Championship, against Wales (24-45) and England (33-31). They were confirmed by a completely revised team in Argentina last July. More play, more initiative… The fans were able to appreciate it.

There, with the return of Dupont and a strong portfolio of forwards, we can only expect better, even better. In addition, they face a weak Japanese side, certainly coached by the wizard Eddie Jones, but swept aside by New Zealand (19-64) a fortnight ago and not against the leading countries.

So, let the players go, rest and settle before the clashes against the Blacks on November 16 and Argentina on the 22nd.