If Marine Ménager affirmed that the Bleues had not ” not afraid “ before approaching the last match of the 6 Nations Tournament against England, Saturday April 27 (5:45 p.m.) in Bordeaux, co-selector David Ortiz was lucid in describing the XV de la Rose as “best team in the world”. In terms of quality and results obtained, no other country can match the world No. 1s.
Supported by a powerful collective, the English won their first four matches of the Tournament with heavy scores, against Italy (48-0), Wales (46-10), Scotland (46-0) and Ireland (88-10) last week. They have not lost since the World Cup final played in November 2022 against New Zealand (31-34), remaining in 14 consecutive matches without defeat.
Kildunne and Aldcroft, permanent dangers
Even more telling statistic, the five-time title holders (with the Grand Slam achieved in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023) have not been defeated against a team from the Northern Hemisphere since a certain France – England in 2018 (18- 17), date of the last Grand Slam achieved by Les Bleues. John Mitchell’s players have reigned as patronesses of European rugby for many years.
Fullback Ellie Kildunne, author of 9 tries and top scorer in the 6 Nations (45 points), will be particularly one to watch, as will wingers Abby Dow (5 tries including a hat-trick against the Irish) and Jess Breach (4 tries), elusive in their respective lanes. Between them, they gained 1,217 meters with ball in hand in four games. Proof that if the French leave them the slightest space, the English arrows will rush in.
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We will not forget to mention Zoe Aldcroft, absolute reference in her second line position, voted best player in the world in 2021 and who has been walking on water since the start of the Tournament, with maddening statistics (58 successful tackles, 35 cleanups , 14 balls taken into touch, 2 tries). The Bleues of David Ortiz Gaëlle Mignot have been warned. A victory against the Crunch at the Chaban-Delmas stadium would be a real achievement.
