This Friday evening, the Blues finished their fall tour perfectly against Argentina. The XV of France won with a score of 37-23 against the Pumas thanks in particular to a perfect first act. The meeting was also marked by a new personal feat from Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
It was the last part of a year 2024 full of twists and turns on and off the field for the Blues. The opportunity to also validate an autumn tour with a final success, however Argentina stood in the way of the French during this final duel, and the outcome was uncertain against the Pumas capable of being authentic troublemakers. holidays. The French intensity and accuracy will be noticed quite quickly to say the least and the debates proved Fabien Galthié's troops right. Following a throw-in, Moefana served as an anchor and a second blade led by Flament propelled the Toulouse second line to the promised land (7-0, 9th). Enough to start the debates well, even if Albornoz responded immediately following a foul on the ground by the locals (7-3, 15th). In the meantime, Gros was injured, after an illegal clearance by Montoya who received a yellow card.
France dictated its pace. More dashing in the duels, and more subtle in the use of the ball, the Tricolores kept the scoreboard running thanks to the impeccable Ramos in the exercise (13-9, 29th). While a relative mano a mano seemed to be established, the Blues stepped up their offensives. The content was affected and Villière completed an action wide after a series of fixations from the front putting the South American defense on the back foot (20-9, 33rd). It was not yet over, since a brilliant overhand from Ramos, taken by himself, allowed the French flyhalf to deliver an uncrossed kick to the attention of Bielle-Biarrey. The will-o'-the-wisp was not very far from capturing the offering, but a cynical mistake from Gonzalez took away this happiness from the winger. After viewing the video, Mr. Luke assessed the action as illegal, sent the flanker to the sidelines for ten minutes and awarded the legitimate penalty try (27-9, 27th). Ramos compiled three additional points before completing a first act of very good quality (30-9, 40th).
First act as a reference
What’s next? An essentially Argentinian domination. Returning with more intentions, the South Americans offered a greater volume of play although sterile most of the time. Gallo will go to the test in full force, despite three opposing players in his path for the first test of Ciel et Blanc (30-16, 56th). Less consistent in the offensive organization, the Blues suffered a little more from the elements. But Bielle-Biarrey came out of his box, and with a low kick for himself, took the try (37-16, 59th). The hooker Ruiz will score powerfully a few minutes from the end (37-23, 72nd), the outcome was no longer in doubt, while Gailleton was refused a try during the final seconds.
The Blues end this fall tour on a good note. An additional success for the troops of Fabien Galthié who escaped the Argentinian trap with conviction. A confirmation of a collective that is being established, of a certain emulation within the group and many clues for the future between the discoveries and the confirmations. Enough to see the next 6 nations tournament coming with optimism.
The Pumas lacked the gas to compete over time. Capable of maintaining long sequences, still as fierce in conquest, Felipe Contepomi's men lost track of the match on details and a physical aspect in decline, particularly during the first act. In the end, only one victory against Italy for this European tour, but also promises in certain positions and a state of mind which will have lasted throughout 2024.
