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A hat-trick to make history

The XV of France marked a glorious page in its history this Saturday. A rare tour de force. After triumphing over the All Blacks in the fall of 2021 then at the opening of the last World Cup in France, the Blues once again defeated – admittedly by nothing – the “men in black”. “It’s done, it’s written. We can always say what we want, but they come three times and fall three times. It’s a great satisfaction. It’s good to take these victories,” logically welcomed Fabien Galthié. Until then, France had beaten New Zealand three in a row only once in its history: it was during the historic 1994 tour to the land of the Long White Cloud where Pierre Berbizier's troop had won twice (including the famous “end of the world test”), then in 1995 in Toulouse under the orders of the new coaches, Jean-Claude Skrela and Pierre Villepreux. Fabien Galthié therefore became, at the Stade de France, the first French coach to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks. Each time on French soil. But the feat is significant.

Bielle-Biarrey already has everything a great

Would it be stupid to say that the young winger from Union Bordeaux-Bègles has similarities with Christophe Dominici? Maybe not. The helmeted rocket with a modest size for a modern three-quarter (1.84 m and 79 kg) achieved an incredible score in all four corners of the field. One thing is certain, the native of La Tronche (Isère) must have slept well on Saturday evening… Already untenable against Japan, Bielle-Biarrey was passing a real test against the best on the oval planet. Test more than successful. Scorer in the 51st minute on a long run of which he has the secret, he could even have planted one or two additional banderillas at the end of the game if the rebounds had been less capricious. Devil of an oval ball… What must also be highlighted in 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. Like this saving scratch (72nd) where it was severely cleared. On his account, seven successful tackles out of seven attempted, four defenders beaten, two crossings and a permanent danger on kicking plays to follow. The Bordelo-Béglais – flashed at 37 km/h against Namibia during the World Cup – is now essential.

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Antoine Dupont after the feat against the All Blacks: “Feeling that we can count on each other is exhilarating”

A Stade de France in melting

The new pre-match ceremony, all fired up, had galvanized an audience who did not need that, as they already aspired to vibrate for Antoine Dupont's Blues. The first thrills had run through the packed stands (80,000 spectators, including the Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, and the French star of the Paris Olympics, swimmer Leon Marchand) when Kapa O'Pongo found himself sublimated in a clever game of shadow and light. Executed respectfully before the roars. Marseillaises as if it were raining. Constant encouragement. Cries of fear or rage. Wholehearted applause for these heroic French people who tackled with all their might for 80 minutes. It was 6 degrees at kick-off but the atmosphere warmed up a Stade de France in melting for its blue warriors.

Ardie Savea tried everything

Placed back on the wing of the third line to leave number 8 to the new black star, Wallace Sititi (once again author of an XXL performance), Ardie Savea hurt the Blues. Like on the All Blacks' first try, where the best player in the 2023 world erases Ramos, Dupont and Buros to offer the try to his teammate, Peter Lakai. With the ball in hand, the solid forward gained 42 meters and beat five defenders. At 31 years old, and 92 caps, Savea has not finished shining. And to impress with his canes, as proven by his extraordinary comeback on a counter led by Bielle-Biarrey and Dupont at the 78^e minute of a match of rare intensity.

CLAW STRIKES

For Blacks, too much play kills the game

No doubt exhausted after their last victories in England and Ireland, the All Blacks ran out of fuel at the end of the game. It must be said that early injuries to third-row Finau in the 2nd minute and to three-quarter center Jordie Barrett (37th) did not help. Aggressive, sharp and bleeding in the first period, the New Zealanders then suffered and, above all, tired too easily by not returning any ball to their feet and never occupying the French backfield (210 passes completed, compared to 91 by the Blues…). Be careful, let's not knock on a team that has the desire to play in abundance without falling into “ping-pong Rugby”. But this is what undoubtedly caused harm to these Blacks. A little alternation wouldn't have been too much. Moreover, only the fly-half or full-back Damian McKenzie managed to bring dynamism and speed. In vain. Often isolated and without physical freshness, coach Scott Robertson's players did not manage to move up the entire field – as they have often been used to for decades – to knock out the Blues.

Alldritt, engine seized

Unrecognizable. Grégory Alldritt was far from his best level this Saturday. The essential number 8 of the Blues has lost his power and his striking force which made him the bulldozer of the XV of France. Less dominant, less sharp, he rarely put his people forward. Well targeted as he was by the New Zealanders who considerably (totally?) reduced his impact on the French game. If he struggled in defense, making 17 tackles, the Rochelais was on the other hand guilty on the try of New Zealand scrum half Cam Roigard (27th) where he had his pass intended for Antoine Dupont intercepted. Since the start of the season, Grégory Alldritt seems to be in trouble. Difficulties which did not escape Fabien Galthié, who replaced him in the 49th minute. Unusual for this leader of the France team, who had been named captain in the absence of Antoine Dupont. Without power, without gas, the central third line of Stade Rochelais loses his influence and becomes an almost… anonymous player again. Sad and worrying. But temporary, we hope.