French rugby, men and women alike, lives sacred hours, let it be said. Three weeks after the coronation of the XV at the Six Nations Tournament, the Blues are taking the same path as their male counterparts. Victorious on the field of Scotland (8-28), Saturday in Glasgow, the French came to the end of a tenacious XV du Thistle for the third day.
With the World Cup in New Zealand in sight (October 8-November 12), the France team is keeping alive its shorter-term dream of offering itself the Grand Slam as in 2018, its last. Despite nine changes in the line-up which had won against the XV of clover at Ernest-Wallon (5-40), the French women did not have cold feet, like the Bordelaise Assia Khalfaoui, who was celebrating her very first tenure as a prop. They were formidable, even on their weak times managed with solidarity in defense, conceding only the only try of Chloé Rollie (8-28, 69th) when the Scots were in numerical superiority. They logically dropped off in the second half, scoring no points.
But the game plan glimpsed since the start of the Tournament, which made it possible to beat Italy then Ireland, still seemed just as well put together. Les Bleues knew how to be patient when the Scots pushed hard in the second act, realistic in the first. Already the author of two tries last week, Toulouse’s Laure Sansus did everything on her own to go and flatten the first try, after a well-felt overhead kick (0-7, 9th).
An expected final against the English ogresses
Opportunistic, the one who had already been elected player of the previous match even scored her second double in a row by taking advantage of an opposing clearance blocked by her captain Gaëlle Hermet (3-21, 37th), also at the conclusion a few minutes later. before the break (3-28, 40th). Jessy Tremoulière had rewarded the good work of the tricolor forwards with a try near the lines (3-14, 29th). The opening half of ASM Romagnat, best player of the year 2018, was very good in the kicking game, whether to find important touches or to convert transformations (4/4).
As we have understood, Annick Hayraud’s players have delivered a new solid performance, they who have not ceased to seduce and thrill the French public since the start of a quirky Tournament to allow them better exposure. With this victory rewarded by the offensive bonus, the Habs join England at the top of the standings, ahead thanks to a favorable points difference (+ 179, against + 88).
And they know the rest of the program for the future: Wales away on April 22, then England closing in Bayonne on April 30. For a great “final” expected against the defending nation and the most sacred – and by far – in the Tournament (16). Before this clash of “titans”, the work will already have to be done in Cardiff.