2023-08-05 18:58:24
The XV of France began its preparation for the World Cup at home on Saturday with a narrow loss in Scotland (25-21), almost a month before the opening match against the All Blacks. The Blues, largely overhauled, nevertheless led quietly in the first period (21-3) before collapsing, conceding three tries in the last 40 minutes against the Scots reduced to fourteen in the 55th minute. A defeat certainly, but a lot of lessons and grain to grind for the staff.
Published on: 05/08/2023 – 18:58
3 mn
It is a two-faced French team that presented itself against Scotland this Saturday, August 5th. The XV of France, rejuvenated but imperial for 40 minutes, tripped over the carpet on Saturday at Murrayfield (25-21), for its first preparation match for the World Cup.
Three tries from scrum half Baptiste Couilloud (12th), winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey (25th) and second line Cameron Woki (40th + 2) in the first period had nevertheless given the Blues an eighteen point lead against to sluggish Scots.
But the XV du Chardon is never as strong as when it is back to the wall. Pushed by a whole stadium, Finn Russell’s teammates, reduced to fourteen after the yellow card turned red from prop Zander Fagerson (55th), came back strong in the last 40 minutes, scoring three tries in turn by winger Darcy Graham (42nd), prop Pierre Schoeman (54th) and hooker David Cherry (64th).
Three neophytes
But this meeting against the fifth nation in the world, with its almost typical team, had above all the air of a life-size test. And in the end, the opportunity to learn some lessons for the men of Fabien Galthié, who had launched three neophytes.
Émilien Gailleton (20), Louis Bielle-Biarrey (20) and Paul Boudehent (23) were not impressed. The first two, nicknamed “electric scooters”, made their speed speak for themselves, while the third row from La Rochelle was precious for its slaughter. What give headaches to the staff of the Blues before the announcement, on August 21, of the list of 33 players summoned to participate in the World Cup (September 8-October 28).
In his fight for the position of substitute scrum half, behind captain Antoine Dupont and his usual substitute Maxime Lucu, the Lyonnais Baptiste Couilloud, dominating in two of the three tries scored in the first period, scored points in his duel with the Toulonnais Baptiste Serin.
A defeat but…
Pillar Demba Bamba, second line Cameron Woki, center Yoram Moefana and third line Yoan Tanga were also able to put themselves forward. Just like the captain for a day Brice Dulin, who returned to the France team after two years of absence. Enough to upset the hierarchy? They still have three weeks and two matches, against Scotland in a week in Saint-Etienne then Fiji on August 19 in Nantes, to earn their place alongside the usual executives.
One thing is certain: despite a slightly less controlled second period, the Blues seem equipped to go far in their World Cup, which they will start with a major shock against New Zealand on September 8. If there is still work to do, the state of mind and the desire are there. And too bad for the score.
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