Rugby: the French XV wants to buy peace and treat itself to the Blacks during this autumn tour

Japan, New Zealand and Argentina. The program of the XV of France for this autumn tour is exotic. Three nations from three different continents, against which the Blues have one and the same objective: to win. Because the last 6 Nations Tournament was very mixed with a big defeat against Ireland in Marseille (17-38), a more than questionable victory in Scotland (16-20), a draw against Italy (13 -13), then finally, to finish, two big matches in Wales (24-45 victory) and against England (33-31 success).

The last tour in Argentina, in an obviously very particular context, too. In the first match, the Blues outclassed the Pumas (13-28), before losing in the second match (33-25). So, for the moment, Fabien Galthié's second term lacks stability. And this fall tour must allow that. Because Japan (Saturday November 9 at 9:10 p.m.) and Argentina (Friday November 22 at 9:10 p.m.) are viable opponents, and because welcoming the All Blacks (Saturday November 16 at 9:10 p.m.) at the Stadium of France, this is an event not to be missed under any circumstances.

The great return of Antoine Dupont

The other big event, obviously, is the big return of Antoine Dupont. The captain of the XV of France. The best player in the world, without any chauvinism. The now Olympic champion is back in business. And when we remember that his last match with the Blues of the XV was the quarter-final of the World Cup lost on October 15, 2023 against South Africa (28-29), there is no doubt that number 9 will want to wash away the insult. And to treat yourself, as in November 2021, to the All Blacks. The French team won 40 to 25, thanks in particular to 20 points from Melvyn Jaminet, who was still playing at USAP.

But first, the Blues will come up against Japan (Saturday November 9 at 9:10 p.m.), which is still struggling just as hard against the big nations. Again last week with a heavy defeat against New Zealand (19-64), or against Italy (14-42) and England (17-52) last summer. Captain Harumichi Tatekawa's teammates should, logically, be subjected to the law of the French, in full preparation for their shock against the All Blacks.

Because that's the last big meeting of the year 2024. The New Zealanders have just won at Twickenham (22-24), and dream of having a perfect run by taking on Ireland in Dublin, France in Saint-Denis then Italy in Turin. But the Blues don't see it that way and, since the first training session on October 28, have been focused on this shock. Japan must serve as a rehearsal to arrive ready against the Blacks. No more, no less. And we will have to strive to finish this tour well against Argentina, on Friday November 22 (9:10 p.m.). Without going outside the box, of course.