When he took office at the head of the XV of France, in November 2019, Fabien Galthié set a clear mission for his team: “Win back matches and titles quickly. “ After years of misfortune, the Blues began their reconstruction. A year has passed on the “Arrow of time” dear to the technician from Lot, who must propel the French men’s rugby team to the 2023 World Cup, played at home. When the 2021 edition of the Six Nations Tournament begins, Saturday February 6 in Italy, part of the task has been accomplished.
“We were able to win quickly, and a lot of matches”, observes the Montpellier player, Arthur Vincent. Since their initial victory against England (24-17) in February 2020, the Blues version Galthié have returned to a conquering spirit, long with absent subscribers. “Unfortunately, we failed: we did not win any titles”, continues Vincent. Even if they were beaten by the English in the two competitions contested in 2020 (the Tournament and the Autumn Nations Cup), the French have developed a taste for success.
The coach, who insists on the fact that the Blues were tied for first in the Tournament (beaten with the difference in points registered and cashed), does not depart from his line: “The goal is always the same: to win. We cannot be prevented from being ambitious. “ Captain Charles Ollivon confirms: “If we engage in the competition, it is first and foremost to win as many matches as possible and to win it. “
The task promises to be difficult. Since the Tournament has six nations – in 2000, with the incorporation of Italy – the XV of France has never achieved a grand slam in an odd year, those involving three trips (to Rome, Dublin and London). But does playing away still weigh in a competition behind closed doors?
“The context is particular with closed doors, it favors teams who travel”, notes the coach of the back lines of the France team, Laurent Labit. “Without supporters, the pressure is less. The fact of playing without an audience, it balances the two teams in a match ”, extends the Swiss army knife Gaël Fickou, cornerstone of the defense of the Blues.
“Much stronger in defense”
As soon as they took office, Fabien Galthié and the general manager, Raphaël Ibañez, entrusted the experienced Englishman Shaun Edwards with the task of restoring the colors of the French defense, and the progress did not go unnoticed. “They are much stronger in defense. They manage to limit the spaces for their opponents, observes Franco Smith, the South African coach of Italy. Then they get to put a lot of speed into their game. They are very good on recovery balls. Little by little, they become more and more complete. “
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