After the great success of the XV of France over the Japanese, find out what caught the attention of the editorial staff (42-23).
TOPS
Penaud, the goal fox
A few crumbs are enough for him to stand out. Damian Penaud struck again in the jersey of the XV of France, scoring twice against the Japanese. His 17th and 18th international trials. The Clermont winger, formidable in the one-on-one, has a top speed that allows him to create danger on each ball he touches. This was again the case this Saturday against the Japanese, however renowned for their lively and athletic game. He first scored a pure winger try at the end of the line, from the start of the match. Before doubling the bet by being in support of Vakatawa. A job well done.
A series of record victories
This Saturday, the XV of France entered the modern history of French rugby by becoming the first team to sign nine victories in a row. The last loss of the Blues dates back to July 17, 2021 during the third and last test match against the Australians (30-33). Since then, the Habs have not lost, notably signing a prestigious success against the All Blacks and achieving the Grand Slam in the Tournament. Charles Ollivon and his teammates are doing better than their glorious elders who had achieved a series of eight consecutive victories in 1998, 2001-2002 and 2004.
Moefana, it’s moving
His association with Virimi Vakatawa promised a lot. And, this Saturday, Yoram Moefana displayed all his talent and his force of percussion against the Japanese. A solid match where he multiplied the percussions in the opposing defense, doing great damage and regularly gaining precious meters. Decisive on Damian Penaud’s second try where he blew up the Japanese defense like popcorn, he then did a little recital to register his own try. During this first test, the versatile three-quarters of Union Bordeaux-Bègles scored points. As with each of his outings in the blue jersey.
FLOPS
An indiscipline to erase
Fabien Galthié and his demanding staff will surely focus on the first period of this first test against Japan. A first act during which the Blues suffered the enemy attacks, barely managing to contain the Japanese waves. Above all, the Habs will have to erase the indiscipline they showed, especially in the first period. Eight penalties conceded during the first 40 minutes is far too many at this level … And it could be expensive against an opponent of another caliber.
Japanese who ended up exploding
The question, before this match, was to know in what state the Japanese were going to be. Since the last World Cup in 2019, they had only played eight matches, due to the health crisis. During the first minute, we found Japan dynamic, lively and alert, which had allowed them to reach the quarter-finals of the last World Cup. But, on returning from the locker room, Michael Leitch and his teammates went down, less sharp, less inspired. The Blues decided to insist more in the axis in the second period, a paying tactic which ended up making their opponents let go. Jamie Joseph will have to remobilize his troops and find solutions to avoid further disillusionment next week.
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