An audience that melts. Effusions. Everything ended on a thread but on the right side. At the cost of a ferocious defense, the Blues maintained their success this Saturday evening in Saint-Denis against the New Zealanders who for a moment believed they were superior. By one point (30-29), the Tricolores proved it wrong.
The bright haka, glittering under the spotlight, was however faded like an omen under an almost full moon. These white-shirted All Blacks faced the Blues head-on for the first time. More toned, sharper, they also dominated the static phases. More powerful in the fray, better coordinated in action, the Pacific players immediately take charge of the match, leaving only a few crumbs to the Tricolores who above all repel the most pressing.
The opponent didn’t do too many frills either, playing close to the pack, refusing to play wide, no doubt out of fear of the Habs’ killer counterattacks. Few risks therefore, few pedals, few rides. A test of strength and, it must be admitted, a few lost balls. This is why this crucial evening for the Blues, this desire to celebrate on the part of a fiery audience ready to shout, was gradually diluted in the impotence of Dupont and his band.
Third consecutive victory against the All Blacks, the first in 30 years!
The French captain also suffered the comparison with his counterpart Cameron Roigard, active and efficient and author of the New Zealanders’ second try just before the half hour mark, after several finally sustained waves had the merit of resisting his teammates in the race ( 10-17 at halftime).
The beautiful face of the Azzurri was therefore reserved for the second act. Fabien Galthié’s men did what they do best. Resist, really this time, and create joyful disorder among the opponents with every ball recovered. The plan worked wonderfully, with the All Blacks making things easier for them by continuing to play their restrictive rugby. Paul Boudehent with a penetrating maul and then Louis Bielle-Biarrey, scoring like an arrow a try against, allowed them to turn the situation around in ten minutes (24-17, 51st). Enough to wake up the stands, launch olas, Marseilles, increase pride.
Nothing better than a new success – the third consecutive after the 40-25 in 2021 and the 27-13 in the opening of the 2023 World Cup, a performance achieved only once until then between 1994 and 1995 – against these players who we freeze a little quickly in the legend in view of the end of the tour and the final test against Argentina on this same lawn next Friday. And above all enough to face the next Six Nations with new guarantees. Because after the elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup by South Africa (28-29), the Blues, deprived of their captain Antoine Dupont who left his Olympic dream with the team at the age of 7 French, they have never really convinced. A largely failed tournament, a tour to Argentina last July marked by the Jaminet and Auradou-Jegou events… There was an urgent need to restore the Italian image. It’s done.
How does the psychological impact of the haka affect the performance of opposing teams during high-stakes rugby matches?
Time.news Interview: Expert Insights on the Thrilling Showdown Between France and New Zealand
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we are joined by rugby expert Dr. Clara Beaumont, a sports analyst and historian specializing in international rugby dynamics. Clara, thank you for being here.
Dr. Beaumont: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss such thrilling matches as last night’s between France and New Zealand.
Editor: Absolutely! It was an edge-of-the-seat encounter. France won 30-29, but it certainly wasn’t an easy victory. What were the key elements that led to this narrow triumph?
Dr. Beaumont: The match showcased a fierce defensive strategy from the French team. They were under pressure for much of the game, especially with New Zealand’s robust performance in the static phases and their ability to control the ball. France’s defense was critical; they managed to repel numerous assaults, which ultimately kept them ahead.
Editor: Speaking of New Zealand’s performance, they seemed to come out strong, especially with their dynamic physical play. Did you expect that level of aggression from the All Blacks?
Dr. Beaumont: To be honest, yes and no. Historically, the All Blacks are known for their physical prowess and aggressive style, but France is no stranger to intense rugby either. What stood out last night was New Zealand’s decision to play close to the pack and minimize risks—a tactic perhaps born out of respect for France’s potent counterattacks. This more conservative approach created tension throughout the match.
Editor: It definitely created a nail-biting atmosphere! The article mentions the “brilliant haka” and its symbolic significance. How does the haka influence the psychological aspect of a game, especially in a high-stakes match like this one?
Dr. Beaumont: The haka is not just a ritual; it’s also a powerful psychological weapon. For the All Blacks, it’s about asserting dominance and rallying their spirit. However, it can also shift the mood of opposing teams. In this match, while the haka was mesmerizing, France seemed to channel that energy into their gameplay. Their audience support was palpable and may have helped dispel any intimidation they might have felt initially.
Editor: And speaking of support, the crowds at Saint-Denis were quite electrifying, weren’t they? How crucial is such home-ground advantage in rugby?
Dr. Beaumont: Home-ground advantage can be game-changing. The French supporters created a charged atmosphere that likely bolstered the players’ morale. When the crowd is passionately involved, it can lift a team’s performance and induce pressure on opponents. We saw snippets of that last night, especially as France clung onto a slim lead.
Editor: Now, let’s discuss the French captain Antoine Dupont. He has long been a key figure for the team, but reportedly struggled against Cameron Roigard, the New Zealand captain. What’s your take on their performances?
Dr. Beaumont: Dupont is indeed a phenomenal player, but even the best have off days, and this was one of them. Roigard, on the other hand, seems to be stepping into his role confidently. He was vital for New Zealand’s momentum, exemplifying effective leadership. This match highlighted the contrast between the two captains, with Roigard being more active and impactful at critical moments—especially that second try before halftime.
Editor: This match was also historic for France—a third consecutive victory against the All Blacks and their first in 30 years! How significant is this win for French rugby?
Dr. Beaumont: It’s monumental! This victory not only boosts the morale of the players but also reinforces the legitimacy of French rugby on the world stage. Winning against a powerhouse like New Zealand, especially after three decades, will be seen as a turning point and a statement of intent for future competitions. It offers a glimmer of hope and confidence for the squad moving forward.
Editor: Clara, your insights have been incredibly valuable. Thank you for joining us and sharing your expertise on this thrilling match!
Dr. Beaumont: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure, and I look forward to more exciting encounters in the rugby world!
