Mathieu Warnier, Media365: published on Saturday November 16, 2024 at 11:40 p.m.
Discover our tops and our flops following the victory of the XV of France against New Zealand (30-29) this Saturday on the pitch of the Stade de France in a test match played as part of the tour of 'autumn.
The tops
Bielle-Biarrey still present
His burst of speed once again worked wonders. After being brilliant against Japan, Louis Bielle-Biarrey spared no effort to intervene as quickly as possible on New Zealand's incursions, preventing the All Blacks from playing their game. But it was above all in attack that the UBB winger offered solutions. His try at the start of the second period came precisely from his ability to take the advantage in the race on the three-quarters of New Zealand on a precise opening. A performance which further consolidates his stature as a holder.
Buros applied for its premiere
William Servat had announced the color. We could not count on Romain Buros to endure the pressure inherent to a first selection with the XV of France and a match against the All Blacks. After such a long wait, the French rear produced a performance full of maturity. First present in the defensive sector, he was able to seize his chance to flatten his first try shortly after the half-hour mark. He was then solid until the start of the last quarter of an hour and his replacement by Nolann Le Garrec.
Ramos, impeccable in every way
This time, Thomas Ramos did not miss the target. While he had missed two kicks against Japan, the opening half of the Blues confirmed that he was one of the architects of the French success against the All Blacks with fifteen points to his account and a 100% success against the posts , regardless of the position of the ball. He will also have been invaluable in the vision of the game, in particular on Louis Bielle-Biarrey's try. As seen in training, he left the opening for the fullback position at the end of the match, where he remained true to himself.
The flops
B.Barrett little in sight
Aside from the seven points scored in the first period, Beauden Barrett did not have his usual performance in the New Zealand game. Ten days after the concussion suffered against England, the All Blacks flyhalf has undoubtedly paid for his lack of rhythm. While Cam Roigard shone in the lead for Scott Robertson's team, the Blues player was content with almost the minimum throughout the 80 minutes, even leaving the role of scorer to Damian McKenzie during the last half. -play time.
The tricolor conquest is not imperial
The results of the XV of France are not without false notes. In the scrum and touchline areas, Fabien Galthié's players were dominated throughout a first period which saw the All Blacks impose a showdown in which they had the advantage. The early exit of Tevita Tatafu did not help the French pack, who were able to recover after the break on the way to a memorable victory on the pitch at the Stade de France.
Jordan muzzled
If Beauden Barrett was not there, this is also the case for Will Jordan. The man who is often presented as the best full-back in the world has not been able to express all his talent. The fault undoubtedly lies with the aggressiveness of a French defense always quick to intervene to prevent the All Blacks from gaining speed. Unable to fully rely on one of their main weapons, the world vice-champions skated and finally lost.
