Japan: the XV of France crushes Japan 52-12: what we liked and disliked

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To begin its autumn tour, the XV of France defeated Japan (52-12) without ever being worried. A very large success with a convincing first half and a second act a little less well controlled. Here is what we liked and disliked during this first match of November.

What we liked

• A completely controlled start to the match

We only had to wait three minutes to witness the first attempt of the match via Louis Bielle-Biarrey following a kick to follow for himself, messed up by the Japanese rear. But the Blues did not stop there and Emilien Gailleton He also made it in the 10th minute. Better, after another tryAlexandre Roumatthe XV of France even led 19-0 in… 19 minutes. A perfectly controlled start to the match!

• An intractable defense

Gareth Edwards should sleep well tonight. Indeed, the defense coach can be satisfied with the defensive performance of the Blues. With no points conceded at halftime (31-0), we even had to wait until the 50th minute to see the first points scored by Japan. Captain Antoine Dupont's partners put up the barbed wire but ended up breaking down on a single constructed action, the second Japanese try coming from an interception by the Japanese Tevita Tatafu.

• The desire to set the pace on the French side

Alignment quickly in place, penalty quickly played by hand, combination in touch, all the paraphernalia to accelerate the pace of the meeting was used on the Blues side. It seemed to work as the Japanese, caught by the throat, seemed overwhelmed throughout the 80 minutes. They never really found the solution offensively and defensively, asphyxiated by the rhythm, as for example during the attempt to Peato Mauvaka on a mischievous combination with Antoine Dupont (31-0, 34e).

What we didn't like

• Japan's low level

So yes, the French XV was effective and set a good pace in this meeting, but we must nevertheless note the weakness of this Japanese team. Already crushed by New Zealand (64-19) during a first test, the Brave Blossoms did not exist against the XV of France, regularly coming up against the French defense and losing the physical challenge except in rare cases. opportunities, far too rare like on Harumichi Tatekawa's first try (38-7, 50th).

• A more difficult second half

After a very serious first period, the XV of France slowed down a little during the second act. The bench of substitutes with a few rare exceptions did not necessarily contribute and ultimately, the Blues gave the impression of wanting to play too much by going out of the box. Japan represented a lower level opposition than the menu which presents itself for the XV of France with New Zealand and Argentina. We will have to be more precise…

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