After a demonstration against Japan and a duel at the top against New Zealand, the XV of France concluded its autumn tour with a convincing victory (37-23) against Argentina, Friday November 22.
Here are the lessons from these three matches, on which Fabien Galthié will be able to rely in view of the Six Nations Tournament, which will begin on January 31 with the reception of Wales.
An almost inexhaustible pool of players
This is undoubtedly the main lesson of this month of November. The XV of France, which counted before the last match “a third injured”recalled Fabien Galthié, has something to see coming. In all positions, a player is capable of emerging to take over: at the right pillar position, Tevita Tatafu, although he only played 90 minutes, has taken his place, just like Georges-Henri Colombe. Jean-Baptiste Gros almost made Cyril Baille forget on the other side of the first row.
In the third row, Alexandre Roumat and especially Paul Boudehent are already pushing for a starting position, while Charles Ollivon, sent back to the club against Japan, was elected man of the match against Argentina. With the injury to Romain Ntamack, Fabien Galthié had to repatriate Thomas Ramos in 10. Enough to leave a hole at the back position? Not even. Romain Buros, excellent against the All Blacks, and Léo Barré, to his advantage against the Pumas, were able to immediately get up to speed.
Yoram Moefana, back down in the three-quarter hierarchy, has successfully returned to the center. A reassuring turnover in view of the Six Nations Tournament, while Cyril Baille and Romain Ntamack should be back. “The more emulation we have, the better. We must pay tribute to the players who built a backbone in a short time. There are only winners”estimated Fabien Galthié Friday evening.
To tell the truth, there are actually few losers after these three matches. The main one is Matthieu Jalibert. The fly-half was not even in the 42 called up for Argentina, and he seems to have lost credit with the Blues staff. The rise of Emmanuel Meafou in the second row seems to have pushed Cameron Woki, holder of the World Cup, back in the hierarchy. Finally, Grégory Alldritt, author of two fairly neutral performances, remains an executive but competition is increasing in his position.
The return of Antoine Dupont electrifies the attack
To say that he was missing from the attack of the XV of France for a year is an understatement. Antoine Dupont found his position at the heart of the Blues' game, and everything became clearer. His speed of execution, his unpredictability and his power transform this attack. “CHe is the best player in the world. In addition to his quality on the pitch, he brings a lot of confidence around him. He attracts a lot of attention and attention from opponents, which is also beneficial for his teammates.”greets former international Vincent Clerc, France Télévisions consultant.
Untenable against Japan, he was more discreet offensively against the All Blacks, hampered in the rucks. Against Argentina, he created some flashes but also lost several unusual balls. The fact remains that his mere presence and the rhythm he imposes make life easier for those who gravitate around him. All without ever saving on defense. “Doing almost everything perfectly is still something exceptional. Today, he is essential for what he brings to his teammates, for what he mobilizes in the opponent and for his talent which is absolutely phenomenal.summarizes Vincent Clerc.
A defense found
Before this autumn tour, the French XV remained in 2024 on the worst average of points conceded in the Galthié era (24.5 points). The Blues have corrected their situation. Twelve small points conceded against Japan, whose adversity still remained relative, and a demonstration of commitment against New Zealand. Resilience in the face of the fight imposed by the Argentines completed this reinvigorated defense.
But not everything was perfect: the French struggled to remain tight in the final third of the matches, conceding four of their six tries in the last 30 minutes. A sector to work for the future, just like the conquest, which was put to the test in particular against the All Blacks and the Argentinians.
All the problems are therefore not resolved but the XV of France has regained its defensive base which allowed it to win the Grand Slam at the Six Nations Tournament in 2022. A good omen before the next edition, which starts with a match against the Welsh before heading straight to Twickenham for the “Crunch” against England.
