2023-09-09 10:44:53
There is no doubt that a victory for the XV of France was the only possible alternative as the atmosphere electrified around the stadium, several hours before the meeting, this Friday, September 8, to open the Rugby World Cup. The audience was ready. The players of the France team said they were too. If the match was tough, the victory of the Blues 27 to 13 is synonymous with a successful launch. But beyond the score, the French fans, who came from all over France, especially experienced an evening as tense as it was bewitching.
The thousands of supporters first visibly appreciated an opening ceremony focused on “the French art of living” and embodied by actor Jean Dujardin. The scenography was applauded in the stands, less on the networks where many reviews were published.
Late start
But everyone in the arena only had eyes for the main cast. At the exit of the anthems, the Blues respond to the haka, the famous New Zealand dance, by lining up in front of them. In the assembly, one hears regrets. “It’s a shame they’re not coming towards them, come on guys, show them what you’ve got!” », launches one of them. This fan was hoping for a remake of 2007, where the French players came within a few centimeters of their opponents. Sign of stress in the French ranks? The Blues were picked up cold, with a try in the second minute through Mark Telea. Enough to extinguish, for a few seconds, a stadium massively filled with French supporters. Only a few heads rise, placing their black jerseys on their shoulders and giving a reserved smile.
The game is tough. France catches up by getting a penalty. 5 to 3. On the edge of the field, the accelerated warm-up of hooker Péato Mauvaka raises fears of the worst. In the twelfth minute only, Julien Marchand, injured, has no choice but to leave his place. ” Not already ! », we hear in the stands, in a desperate cry. It begins badly.
Optimism
However, gradually, the XV of France seems to find colors, carried by a public affected but not defeated. After a poorly negotiated observation round, Fabien Galthié’s men gained strength and their defensive efforts began to be rewarded. The captain, Antoine Dupont sets an example by breaking away from the clutches of the Blacks to attempt a breakthrough in the 31st minute. On the sideline finally obtained, France showed its power by pushing the New Zealand block. At the finish, no additional points but satisfaction for the French public: that of seeing their team finally launched. Switched off intermittently, the latter rises as one man, singing the famous song “who doesn’t jump, isn’t French. »
Asphyxiated by the stakes, and undoubtedly by the furnace that is the Stade de France, in times of heatwave, the players of both teams finished the first half playing at a false rhythm. Few balls carried, a lot of kicks. We feel a slight boredom dawning in the eyes of the supporters. The break is saving. France leads by a small point, 9 to 8.
At halftime, optimism remains. Around the Stadium, some people take the opportunity to smoke a cigarette, to decompress. Others join the queue at the bar. The high temperature added to the palpable stress of the encounter justifies it. “Honestly, I feel good about it”analyzes Théo, member of Baroudeurs du sport, a group of supporters. “It’s true that we played on alternating current and it was frustrating”launches the Lyonnais. “But I believe in it for the second half, Galthié is going to shout. »
Waking up, finally
Missed. The beginning of the second act seems to be a repetition of the first. The French XV attack from the start, with a carried game, but are surprised by a lightning counter-attack on a touch obtained by the Blacks. Second try on the New Zealand side through the same Mark Telea. 13 to 9 for the Blacks.
The revolt, the real one, will only occur in the 54th minute. Through winger Damian Penaud, France scored their first try of the competition, after several attempts at breakthroughs. Thomas Ramos transforms. France returns in front 16 to 13. Destabilized, the Blacks commit obvious faults. On a kick, Will Jordan knocks the same Thomas Ramos over in the air. After watching the video, no doubt for the referee, yellow card. New Zealand are 14 within ten minutes. “Here, finally a good decision from the referee”writes a fan.
The Blues took advantage of their numerical superiority somewhat and scored a new penalty, then a second a few minutes later. 22 to 13 for France seven minutes from the end. The men of Galthié do not seem satisfied. The audience, boiling, asks for more. The stands are thrilled at the idea of seeing New Zealand fall for the first time in its history in the group stage. In the 78th minute, a breakthrough smoothly led by the France team, will be concluded with an unconverted try. 27 to 13 for the XV of France.
Prudence
The score will stay there. The public, unleashed, thanks its heroes. Like them, he suffered, doubted, but did not break. “I’m rinsed”says a supporter as she leaves the arena. “I lost 4 kg of sweat! » In music, the stadium is gradually emptying of its evening visitors, who have gone to celebrate the third half. “We sent a message from the start! »exclaims Théo, the Lyon supporter. “It’s nice to see this team so strong, so structured… the staff did a good job. I’m sure we’ll go far. » “This year is for us”, intones another, vintage 1990s blue jersey hoisted over the shoulders. On the side of the players, caution remains in order. This is only the first game of a World Cup they hope to win. But the broad smiles displayed by Antoine Dupont and his compatriots, when passing through the mixed zone, betray a hidden desire to enjoy.
If the Blues offer the same performances against Uruguay, Namibia and Italy, there is no doubt that the atmosphere perceptible at the Stade de France will spread like wildfire throughout the country. It is all the harm that we wish for Fabien Galthié and his proteges.
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