the Blues eat the "Crunch" and make a comeback

Antoine Dupont and his partners have successfully entered the Six Nations Tournament. FRANCK FIFE / AFP

They were promised hell. The " physical violence " and the "Brutality". But Sunday February 2, for sixty minutes, the devils were French. For its entry into the Six Nations Tournament, the French rugby team version Fabien Galthié has had a successful start. And marked his territory, at home, taking the best on the vice-champions of the English world (24-17). But if the final result changes compared to the recent results of the XV of France, the scenario of the meeting seemed familiar.

Also read: Relive France's victory over England at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament

For one hour, the teammates of neo-captain Charles Ollivon have outscored the XV de la Rose, impassable in defense and inspired in attack, despite the weather conditions which are hardly conducive to good play. The Basque from Toulon has started its mandate with two tries , after the one entered from the start of the game by Vincent Rattez. Mute and dominated, the English had to wait until 56e minute of play to open their counter. And didn't score a single point in the first period of a Tournament game for the first time since 1988.

“Expect a presence, a total commitment. To players who will play with passion ”, warned Fabien Galthié. Who has more than won his bet. And unlike the English players, still in " hangover " of their defeat in the World Cup final according to their coach, the Blues responded. "We made too many mistakes and they were able to capitalize on them", railed the English captain, Owen Farrell.

France "won the showdown"

Although largely overhauled and very rejuvenated, the French team remains built on the foundations of the one that had the – unfortunate – habit of getting lost in the second half. And the fateful scenario, experienced in particular in the quarterfinals of the World Cup against Wales, failed to happen again, making the Stade de France, yet enthusiastic, shiver.

Failing to set up their game, the English played liberated, and on the wings of the twirling Jonny May, author of a double after having reviewed the French defense, the XV de la Rose started to sting again, a after the playing hour has passed. Less efficient, putting themselves more at fault, the Blues embodied by a new generation (Haouas, Marchand, Baille, Cros, Bouthier) got scared. But behind an exemplary Gaël Fickou, as captain of the defense, and a boosted Grégory Alldritt, France has "Won the showdown", welcomed Charles Ollivon after the meeting.

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In solidarity, to the point of throwing several under an opponent to prevent it from flattening a try at the end of the match, the Blues folded without breaking. Fifteen minutes from the end, leading only ten points after having counted twenty-four in advance, the Blues were braced. But their feverishness never reached the breaking point. And the men of Galthié relied on a new mental strength to complete the encounter with victory.

"Give credit to France"

"The last fifteen minutes, we did our backs, recognized winger Vincent Rattiez, who started last minute after Saturday's injury to Damian Penaud. We got ahead in the first half and we were able to keep the score, which was not easy in previous years, so it's a relief. "

"What made us win was the players' investment, the work and their solidarity", insisted Fabien Galthié after the match. Before listing all "The little details" having contributed to the good atmosphere around his team, starting with the free rein that left him the clubs of the Top 14, to prepare the Tournament to 42, and not 31 like his predecessors. "It's only the beginning, but it's a great day for French rugby", completed his sidekick, Raphaël Ibanez, general manager of the Blues.

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"Give credit to France, concluded English coach Eddie Jones at a press conference, disappointed with his team’s start to the match but tolerating their reaction. They were excellent in the first half. " Unable to cross the French curtain yet again, the English chose to close the game with a final Farrell penalty rather than go in for a final try. A penalty which, if it offers England the defensive bonus point, exposes above all a new reality: now, the opponents of the Blues no longer say that they can reverse the trend late in the game. Not the least of victories for Fabien Galthié.

The new French coach had set a mission for his men to "Win games, quickly". The first step has been taken. And if the road remains long, the part remaining far from having been perfect, the score played by his men can satisfy him. "Are they playing Italy next week? Good luck ", launched Eddie Jones. Which will be interpreted as a warning to the Transalpine, severely beaten at the opening by Wales, Saturday (42-0). If it is too early to trump at 'Return' the Blues, they returned to winning a close match. And after the recent years of scarcity, they have the right to savor.

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