Faraj Benlahoucine, Media365, published on Friday November 22, 2024 at 11:28 p.m.
Despite fierce opposition, the XV of France defeated Argentina this Friday at the Stade de France (37-23). The Blues managed to pass three this fall.
Getting off to a flying start (a great success against Japan 52-12), the November tour of the XV of France ended this Friday with a third success. Less flamboyant nonetheless. Also less glorious than the prestigious triumph against the All Blacks last Saturday (30-29). However, the Blues tamed Argentina this Friday in their final autumn Test match (37-23). A performance that took a long time to take shape. True to form, the South Americans presented remarkable opposition, particularly in combat and duels. Sometimes even beyond the limits.
In the fourth minute, Julian Montoya injured Jean-Baptiste Gros with an illegal charge in a ruck. Launched into the deep end faster than expected, Reda Wardi was also shaken on one of his first balls by Joel Sclavi (6th), his club partner in La Rochelle. As soon as these violent shocks had subsided, the XV of France sat down its superiority. This materialized in the tenth minute through Thibaud Flament (7-0, 10th). A strong test contrasting with the three other French achievements. Starting with Gabin Villière's try, ideally served in the 22 by an inspired Léo Barré (20-9, 33rd).
Villière and Bielle-Biarrey at the top
In a state of grace, the Toulon winger had a sensational matchin every way. Wearing a red helmet like him on the opposite wing, Louis Bielle-Biarrey did not suffer from the comparison. Deprived of a try before the break, the fault of an anti-play action by Juan Martin Gonzalez, generating a logical penalty try (27-9, 36th), the Girondin dazzled the Saint-Denis enclosure on the return locker rooms. With a kick to follow for himself, “LBB” once again impressed with his explosive top speed. In addition to having flattened his fourth try this fall in three matches, he definitively pushed the Pumas back onto the scoreboard (37-16, 59th).
Despite their desires, the Argentines were never able to deploy their attacking game. Nevertheless, the French defensive curtain has cracked twice. In force at the end of long sequences led by their pack, Felipe Contepomi's men found the opening in force thanks to Thomas Gallo (57th) and Ignacio Ruiz (70th). A sector of play in which the Blues have significant room for improvement before the 2025 6 Nations Tournament.
