A first test of character. To take a step forward, a week after a successful start in the Six Nations Tournament 2021, this young XV of France must win Sunday in Ireland, where the Blues have not won since 2011.
After the Italian lesson (50-10), place for Irish control: in order to confirm the promises of Rome, the young blue shoots (a little over 25 years old and 19 selections on average in Dublin) will have to show their feet and prove that they have learned from their past mistakes. at Clover. Follow Ireland – France live.
“The match will be important”, also admitted in the week the coach of the forwards William Servat. “We know the bitterness they will put on. Two years ago, the match was very difficult: Ireland are still very rough teams. These players have a lot of character and it will take a lot more. France needs to assert itself by exporting itself to hostile terrain ”, still felt the former hooker, holder in the last French victory in Dublin in the Tournament ten in.
In 2011, the Blues had even made a double blow by winning first in February in the Tournament (25-22) then in August in a preparation match for the New Zealand World Cup (26-22).
Since then, Fabien Galthié has arrived on the bench of the XV of France and the Blues “Are in the nails”, he assures afterwards “Eight matches won out of ten”.
Only, here it is: the two defeats occurred on the outside. Far from the Stade de France. First in Scotland (28-17), in March. Then in England (22-19 AD) in December in the final of the Autumn Nations Cup, certainly with an bis team.
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Four moves, two losses, 50% success. Not really a record worthy of a team aiming for the top 3 in the world. “We are advancing on our way. And we are able to progress. We will be better. The team is becoming denser. And it is already better than last year ”, continues Galthié, who has not forgotten that his players had won at the end of February in Cardiff for the first time since 2010.
Dupont the extraterrestrial
On the arrow of time which leads the Blues to the World Cup-2023 at home, Dublin will therefore be an essential stage for the teammates of “the extraterrestrial” Antoine Dupont. Where they will have to slow the exit of Irish balls but also be more effective on the defense of the rucks.
The staff of the XV of France was taken aback Friday, while Fabien Galthié and Raphaël Ibanez announced their own list: neither Jonathan Sexton (35 years old, 96 caps) nor Conor Murray (31 years old, 88 caps) appear in the XV departure on the Irish side.
“We have just read it. We will have to adapt. Honestly, we thought that Sexton (hit in the head during the defeat against Wales last week, Editor’s note) would pass the stages of the protocol and would be fit to start, ”admitted the coach.
PORTRAIT. Charles Ollivon, the courageous captain of the XV of France
“The Irish are not going to change their organization because two or three players are not playing. It modifies small aspects compared to their general specificities. But we have prepared options, small adjustments. We prepare for any conditions. You have to be prepared for any challenge, anywhere and against anyone, to respond to chaos with as much force as possible. Above all, you have to prepare for the unexpected ”, he still estimated.
In their place, Ulster opener Billy Burns (4 sel.) And Leinster scrum half Jamison Gibson Park (6 sel.) Will therefore replace the usual hinge, which still has 184 capes.
“We lost experienced players this week but the misfortune of some makes the happiness of others”, assured Irish coach Andy Farrell. Fabien Galthié and his young people are warned.
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