FAVORITES

A hat-trick to make history

On Saturday, the XV de France wrote a glorious page in its history. A rare tour de force. After having triumph over the All Blacks in autumn 2021 then at the opening of the last World Cup in FranceLes Bleus once again beat the “men in black”, albeit by the slimmest of margins. “It’s done, it’s written. You can say what you like, but they’ve come three times and fallen three times. It’s very satisfying. It’s good to take these victories, logically congratulated Fabien Galthié. Until then, France had only beaten New Zealand three times in a row once in their history: that was during the historic 1994 tour of the Land of the Long White Cloud, when Pierre Berbizier’s team won twice (including the famous “try from the end of the world”), then in 1995 in Toulouse under new coaches Jean-Claude Skrela and Pierre Villepreux. At the Stade de France, Fabien Galthié became the first French coach to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks. Each time on French soil. But it was a major feat.

Bielle-Biarrey already has the makings of a big one

Would it be foolish to say that the young winger from Union Bordeaux-Bègles has similarities with Christophe Dominici ? Perhaps not. The helmeted rocket, modestly built for a modern three-quarter (1.84 m, 79 kg), put in an incredible performance all over the field. One thing’s for sure, the native of La Tronche (Isère) must have had a good night’s sleep on Saturday night… Already unstoppable against Japan, Bielle-Biarrey was put to the test against the best on the oval planet. A test he more than passed. Scoring in the 51st minute on a long run of which he is a master, he could even have planted one or two more banderillas at the end of the game if the rebounds had been less capricious. The devil of the oval ball… What also needs to be emphasized about this young phenomenon, only 21 years old, is his ability to repeat efforts, but also and above all to defend, even if it means putting his body in opposition and sacrificing himself. One example of this was his saving tackle (72nd), when he was severely cleared. On his counter, seven successful tackles out of seven attempted, four defenders beaten, two clearances and a permanent danger on foot plays to follow. The Bordelo-Béglais – flashed at 37 km/h against Namibia during the World Cup – is now a force to be reckoned with.

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Antoine Dupont after the feat against the All Blacks: “It’s exhilarating to feel that we can count on each other”.

Stade de France on fire

The new pre-match ceremonial, all fire and brimstone, had galvanized a crowd that didn’t need it, as they were already longing to vibrate for Antoine Dupont’s Bleus. The first shivers ran through the packed stands (80,000 spectators, including the French Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, and the French star of the Paris Olympics, swimmer Leon Marchand) when the Kapa O’Pongo was sublimated in a clever play of light and shadow. A respectful performance before the roar. Marseillaises as if it were raining. Incessant cheering. Cries of fear and rage. Loud applause for these heroic Frenchmen who tackled like crazy for 80 minutes. It was 6 degrees at kick-off, but the atmosphere warmed up a Stade de France that was in meltdown for its blue warriors.

Ardie Savea tried everything

Replaced on the wing of the third row to leave the number 8 to the new Black star, Wallace Sititi (who once again put in an XXL performance), Ardie Savea hurt Les Bleus. As he did on the All Blacks’ first try, when the best player in the world in 2023 cleared Ramos, Dupont and Buros to give his team-mate Peter Lakai the try. Ball in hand, the solid forward gained 42 meters and beat five defenders. At the age of 31, and with 92 caps to his name, Savea has not finished shining. And he continues to impress with his skills, as demonstrated by his extraordinary comeback from a counter-attack led by Bielle-Biarrey and Dupont at 78.^e minute of a match of rare intensity.

CLAWS

For the Blacks, too much play kills the game

Doubtless blunted by their recent victories in England and Ireland, the All Blacks ran out of fuel at the end of the game. The early injuries to third row Finau in the 2nd minute and three-quarter center Jordie Barrett (37th) didn’t help matters. Aggressive, cutting edge and bleeding in the first half, the New Zealanders then suffered and, above all, tired themselves out too easily by not giving any ball back at foot and never occupying the French backline (210 passes completed, compared to 91 by Les Bleus…). And let’s not knock a team that’s willing to play hard without resorting to “ping-pong rugby”. But that’s what undoubtedly harmed the Blacks. A little alternation wouldn’t have gone amiss. In fact, only opener/fullback Damian McKenzie succeeded in bringing dynamism and speed to the game. But to no avail. Often isolated and lacking in physical freshness, the players of the coach Scott Robertson couldn’t make it all the way up the pitch – as they’ve often been wont to do for decades – to stun Les Bleus.

Alldritt, engine seized up

Unrecognizable. Gregory Alldritt was far from his best this Saturday. Les Bleus’ indispensable number 8 lost some of the power and punch that made him the bulldozer of the French XV. Less dominant, less decisive, he rarely put his team ahead. Well-targeted as he was by the New Zealanders, who considerably (totally?) reduced his impact on the French game. Although he did his utmost in defense, making 17 tackles, he was guilty of the New Zealand scrum-half’s try. Cam Roigard (27th) where his pass to Antoine Dupont was intercepted. Since the start of the season, Grégory Alldritt seems to be on the inside. Fabien Galthié was not unaware of his difficulties, and replaced him in the 49th minute. Unusual for this leader of the French team, who had been appointed captain in the absence of Antoine Dupont. Without power, without gas, the Stade Rochelais third-row center is losing his influence and becoming an almost… anonymous player. Sad and worrying. But hopefully temporary.