The sky is blue over Europe. Almost all blue. And we begin to dream of an anticyclone stretching until the end of winter and transforming the great promises born from the Champions Cup into prowess during the Six Nations Tournament. Less than two weeks before its kick-off with the arrival, Friday January 31, of the Welsh in Saint-Denis, everything points to optimism. The last day of the group stage this Sunday suggests that the players of Fabien Galthié, the coach of the XV of France, are hovering above the competition.
Bordeaux-Bègles twirling against the Durban Sharks (66-12, 10 tries), Toulouse intoxicating in front of Leicester (80-12, 12 tries), Castres winning against Saracens (24-32)… The Frenchies swept away the opposition, apart from Toulon, already qualified, largely beaten in Sale (33-7) and thereby condemning Racing to the European Challenge. Six French clubs, out of eight entered, qualified for the round of 16 which will be played on April 4, 5 and 6. These encouraging results above all reflect a reality that was obvious. While most of the 42 called up joined the Marcoussis training center (Essonne) this Sunday to prepare for the Tournament, the Blues are in good shape, at the top of their form even for practically all the potential starters.
With one exception. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the young phenomenon from UBB (21 years old) rushing at the speed of a comet was forced to go through the medical box. Feeling dizzy on Sunday just before facing the Sharks, the supersonic winger or fullback withdrew from the match and the start of the rally. He has to take exams this Monday and could, if the green light is given to him, join the group a little later and apply for France – Wales. “It’s linked to an inner ear disorder,” explained his manager Yannick Bru. He had loss of balance and no strength. He had had beginnings like this before, but never at such an important stage. »
-This cloud did not prevent the other stars from shining. At the forefront of them, Damian Penaud signed a historic feat by planting six tries. The Bordeaux winger, particularly active, fast, solid and efficient, is finding a form he has not seen since the start of the season. Enough to arouse the admiration of his trainer. “Frankly, he spends more time doing chess tutorials than looking at game plans during the week but he is incredible,” emphasizes Yannick Bru. He has a capacity for anticipation, for being in the right place at the right time, which is much higher than normal. He has above-average rugby intelligence. So, it's no coincidence that he's brilliant at chess too. » At his side, Jalibert, Lucu, Moefana and Depoortère got into tune.
Like the Toulouse residents, led by their captain Antoine Dupont, very sharp, but also by the 2nd line Thibaud Flament, imperial against Leicester, a real control tower in the oven and the mill. Around him, the French internationals all shone, notably Meafou, Marchand and Cros. With a nice surprise too. Romain Ntamack, undermined by injuries in recent months, has found his legs. At the best time for the Blues.
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