PARIS: France’s first Six International locations name for 12 years confirmed that Fabien Galthie’s spectacular crew, who beat England in a celebration environment on the Stade de France, might be arduous to prevent on the Global Cup on house soil subsequent yr. With Melvyn Jaminet prolific with the boot, the immense Cameron Woki rapid changing into the fulcrum of the crew and live-wire Global Participant of the Yr Antoine Dupont wreaking havoc at the England defence, there was once best going to be one winner on Saturday.
France have been dominant within the opening 40 mins with tries from the excellent Gael Fickou and Francois Cros. England hit again in the second one part due to Freddie Steward’s transformed check out, however as soon as Dupont burst thru within the 61st minute the Grand Slam was once secured and the fireworks might be introduced from the stadium roof. In this shape, if the Global Cup was once beginning the next day, France can be favourites.
As soon as the Six International locations trophy were lifted and his gamers serenaded for an hour by way of the 79,000 crowd, Galthie mentioned: “This was once an unforgettable revel in which goes to make us develop. It introduced such a lot pleasure to the training body of workers. “This night was once slightly other to different fits, there was once a large number of pressure. It was once superbly, marvelously demanding.” Dupont mentioned he may just measure the growth of the crew. “It’s our 3rd Six International locations in combination. We got here up simply brief within the first two. We realised how tough it may be – every fit is hard, we have been in a position to peer that this yr.”
Defensive self-discipline
All nice groups are constructed on protection and English trainer Shaun Edwards has instilled a self-discipline in that division that many earlier French facets lacked. The understated however impressively efficient Gael Fickou is the defensive captain and from outdoor centre has overseen Edwards’ technique to stifling opposing groups. That was once supported by way of the statistics-the French didn’t obtain a unmarried yellow card in 5 video games and their moderate of 9 consequences consistent with fit was once extraordinarily low.
England trainer Eddie Jones, talking the day before today within the aftermath of his aspect’s defeat, recognized that defensive self-discipline as the most important. “The massive distinction between France 3 years in the past, France two years in the past and France now’s their tactical self-discipline,” he mentioned. “They play an overly disciplined sport, play to their strengths, and play a protracted kicking sport. They’re very sturdy defensively round their 22. “Two and 3 years in the past they weren’t in a position to keep on with their sport plan with the similar self-discipline they do now.”
Galthie has put monumental religion in his gamers, maintaining a settled crew with minimum adjustments. The one trade to the beginning XV that noticed off Wales 13-9 in an attritional fight in Cardiff was once Damien Penaud, who had recovered from coronavirus. Against this, Jones had pressed the reset button, calling up 5 gamers. It was once little surprise that England seemed disjointed from time to time. France’s normal supervisor Raphael Ibanez had recognized the aspect’s first victory for 12 years towards New Zealand closing November as the instant he discovered how a lot growth they’d made.
He’ll know despite the fact that that the All Blacks and reigning champions South Africa might be again with a vengeance on the Global Cup subsequent yr. Dupont, the captain, admitted the possibility loomed huge. “In fact this Global Cup is in all of our minds. Various other folks round us are speaking about it and we communicate so much about it as neatly. “We’re going to experience this victory, this Grand Slam. We’ll venture ahead after that.” – AFP