2023-08-12 23:41:40
We were waiting for the return of the innkeepers, they almost weren’t enough. For this second match of preparation for the World Cup (September 8-October 28), the XV of France snatched a very difficult victory against Scotland (30-27), Saturday in Saint-Étienne. We will have to do much better in four weeks, at the Stade de France, to hope to defeat the All Blacks at the opening of the World Cup.
In a more than messy first period, the Blues of Fabien Galthié gave the first signs of concern. A test conceded from the start, impacts suffered, and, when it was necessary to react, inaccuracies, such as these forwards near the lines or these lost balls. Conclusion: the French are led 10-3 after 11 minutes of play. “We are behind the Scots on our preparation”, tempered the coach of the Blues at the break.
Among the satisfactions fortunately, 41,181 spectators boiling hot in a Cauldron full to bursting, a solid scrum, and above all, an imperial Toulouse hinge. Dupont-Ntamack, the pair who had not played since that memorable Top 14 final between Toulouse and La Rochelle almost two months ago, were hungry for the ball.
At the height of Scottish domination, Ntamack first offered his body as a sacrifice to France by multiplying the tackles as a third line (8 in the first period alone), showing once again that there was first an athlete behind the artist. The host of the French game then put on his soloist costume to infiltrate the defense of Chardon and put the Blues in front with his try (13-10 at the break).
The start of the 2nd period will put the Blues away, it is thought, thanks to the tries of Ollivon and Penaud. It was time to cool Romain Ntamack, replaced in the 57th minute by Bielle-Biarrey after a knee shock, the severity of which remains to be determined. In this Blue overthrow alongside Ntamack, it was also, and above all, the all-purpose captain Dupont who was the detonator.
Dupont in furious bull mode
The Dupont in furious bull mode first made Geoffroy-Guichard roar with pleasure, by his aggressiveness and his incessant harassment of the Scots. Clearance right foot or left foot (until bursting the balloon!), rescues of firefighters, even on colossi like winger Duhan Van der Merwe: that’s for the Super-Dupont defender. The attacking Toto isn’t bad either. His inspirations on French essays, to free Penaud or inspire Ramos’ winning revival for Ollivon, are marvels of the genre.
But it was at the exit of the poison Dupont, cheered in the 70th minute, that the Scots ended up coming back at the end of the match. Without him, French weaknesses are suddenly more striking. The defense stutters, the physical condition suffers, and the mind does not follow. Would Gabin Villière have made the test pass if it had been Dupont and not Lucu in support? It’s hard to say but two things are certain: we will really need this Dupont and we will still have to improve a lot to dream of becoming world champions.
Dots
France – Scotland: 30-27 (half-time 13-10)
France. 3 tries: Ntamack (32nd), Penaud (42nd), Ollivon (44th). 3 conversions: Ramos (33rd, 43rd, 45th). 3 penalties: Ramos (8th, 22nd, 79th).
Scotland. 4 tries: Steyn (4th, 73rd), Van der Merwe (62nd), Darge (68th),. 2 transformations: Russell (5th, 68th). 1 penalty: Russell (11th). 1 yellow card (Price 26th).
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