The Blues had not won with such a wide gap in England since 1972. HANNAH MCKAY / REUTERS
The Blues pulverized the XV de la Rose at Twickenham, 53 to 10, signing the biggest victory in its history against the English.
Special correspondent at Twickenham
Eighteen years that France has been waiting for this. A victory at Twickenham in the Six Nations Tournament. The wait ended on Saturday. And how ! Seven tries scored for a terrible humiliation 53 to 10. Nothing less than the biggest victory in the history of the Blues against England. Which dated back to 1972 and a 37-12 at the Parc des Princes. A brand pulverized!
From the 2nd minute, French forwards and three-quarters launched the cavalcade from their 30 meters. Ollivon, then Flament, released the passes after contact to launch Dumortier into orbit, who fixed the last English defender to serve Ramos. Who transforms his essay. Already 7-0! Two minutes later, a long breakaway from Alldritt – who unfortunately forgot Penaud on his left – confirmed the form of the Blues. And, behind a masterful kick from Captain Dupont, the forwards multiply the charges in the English 22, Thibaud Flament taking charge of registering the 2e French test (0-17, 27e).
A little tired of backing down on the fierce tackles of the French
Powerless, probably a little tired of backing down on the fierce tackles of the French, the English, who had hitherto favored penaltouches, between arrogance and despair, finally indicated the posts. For 3 small points signed Marcus Smith, just to not come back fanny in the locker room (3-17, 35e). But this Saturday, the Blues had decided to be ruthless. So, before the break, the blue scrum wins its counterpart, and Alldritt serves Ollivon for a third try and an already substantial lead (3-27, 40e) while, in the stands, the Marseillaise has definitely taken over the Swing Low…
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When they return from the respite break (for the English…), the men in white do try to revolt. Borthwick changes scrum-half and, above all, brings in Owen Farrell, confirming his lost bet of having placed his captain on the bench. On a small relaxation (guilty) of the Blues, the back Freddie Steward finally points in the French in-goal rewarding a long session of pounding of his fronts (48e, 10-27). The last gasp of a dying beast.
Thibaud Flament, whom the English must bitterly regret having trained and educated within them, scored his second try of the day, on receiving a marvelous volley pass from Romain Ntamack (58e, 10-34). In the wake or almost, Thomas Ramos escapes for a race of 80 meters, concluded with a small kick to follow while Dupont and Ntamack were in his support. Nevermind. The Toulousans put pressure on the English defense, folded on its line, and Ollivon, trickster, and in confusion, flattens (60e, 10-41). Demonstration has become punishment. Served at the foot by Gaël Fickou, then by hand by Jaminet, Damian Penaud will plant two tries in quick succession (71e et 75e), the 6e et 7e of a France team which has long since gleaned the offensive bonus.
The difference in level quickly jumped to the eyes
A triumph 53 to 10 therefore. Was it predictable? We knew England was in trouble. Losing power in front, lacking talent behind, except for the little prodigy Marcus Smith. Add to that a limited confidence and a cautious game plan bordering on giving up, and, inevitably, faced with a French team in clear recovery after a timid start to the Tournament, the difference in level quickly jumped to the eyes.
With a totally recovered Alldritt – a comeback announced Thursday by a Fabien Galthié who never stops playing the mediums… – And a hungry Danty who had been terribly missed by the French team, the Blues again made the law in the rucks. As well as on the front line, wearing down defenders with every charge. Because pride is not enough when the limits are so numerous. The XV de la Rose has changed coaches but Steve Borthwick has no magic wand to transform an unimaginative team into a conquering phalanx.