Six days after a match of crazy intensity against New Zealand (30-29), the Blues must return to battle (this Friday 9:10 p.m.) against a confident Argentina team. A challenge in a trap match, but one to which the XV of France must respond brilliantly to continue its rise in power.
How to rekindle the flame after experiencing a timeless evening? How to re-motivate yourself after emerging victorious from the real objective of this November tour? Therein lies the challenge: after bringing down the All Blacks last Saturday (30-29), in a stunning match, having left a lot of energy, demonstrated strength of character, shown the extent of talent, of versatility and the fighting spirit that reigns in this France group, we must put in all these ingredients to stand up against the surprising Argentinians, this Friday at the Stade de France (9:10 p.m.).
And it won't be an easy task. Moving forward to meet this challenge may be just as colossal as bringing down New Zealand. But the result cannot be as resounding. The level of play displayed by the French team should have few equivalents compared to that seen in recent months. Yet another challenge.
Asserting yourself against a confident Argentine generation
Because Argentina will not be easy to maneuver. She is coming off a remarkable Rugby Championship. The Pumas brought down the Blacks in New Zealand (30-38). Then South Africa (29-28), the only ones in this 2024 tournament, after a recital against Australia (67-27). We can add to this hunting table the major performance in Ireland last week, despite the defeat (22-19), where France in its contemporary history has often broken its teeth. At the Stade de France, the Blues therefore welcome an Argentina galvanized by a new generation, led in particular by the Usapistes Joaquín Oviedo and Ignacio Ruiz, who is surfing into fourth place at the last world championship. All under the leadership of Felipe Contepomi. A tempting mix that resembles the archetypal trap match. Especially, with only six days between the two matches.
It’s really a very intelligent rugby player.
“This team is not afraid. They are made up of great players who travel well and who are constantly adapting with the world rugby systemanalyzes Fabien Galthié. The players go to Italy, France, the United Kingdom, there are rugby sevens players who have played for a long time in the best team on the world circuit. It's really a rugby that is very intelligent, which is catching up with the best nations in the world.” It's hard to be more suspicious. And for good reason, the Blues know this team well. Argentina comes to Saint-Denis with a formation similar to that which welcomed the XV of France in Bueno Aires and Mendoza last July. With a mixed success, context obliges.
Last summer, it was a French victory (13-28) and an Argentinian one (33-25). The ball is in the center. And this French team, “the best possible” affirms the blue coach, does not look at all the same as in July. It is formatted with a brand new arrow of time, around a new emulation which is supposed to make this team stronger than it was. “The stronger the competition in the group, the stronger the French team will be. What is important is this 2025 vision at the Tournament and then at the World Cup.”
For this discourse to continue to gain weight, we must chase away the old Argentinian demons of last summer. Continue to win and assert yourself against nations who have the wind in their sails and who are capable of rocking, or even capsizing, the blue ship launched at full speed towards Australia-2027. All with conquering players. Before arriving more confident than ever, with a three out of three in November, against Wales, at the end of next January, for the start of the 6 Nations Tournament, and thus mark the start of the new era of the Galthié mandate.
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