Excitement surrounds the upcoming rugby clash between England and France, known as ‘The Crunch.’ This historic rivalry, featuring its 112th match at Twickenham, highlights England’s 60 victories to France’s 44. Following a significant defeat two years ago, England aims to rebound against a confident French team fresh off a win against Wales. The term ‘Crunch’ symbolizes the intensity of this encounter, with both teams poised for a thrilling showdown steeped in over a century of rivalry.
The Thrill of the Crunch: A Rugby Rivalry
Crisp, crunchy, and utterly exhilarating—just the thought of it sparks excitement in the hearts of rugby fans. Each year, the clash between England and France captures the essence of the Tournament, marking it as a highly anticipated event. The term ‘Crunch’ has been coined to define this fierce showdown, which is not to be confused with the popular chocolate-covered wafer. This English phrase, now part of the rugby lexicon, translates to ‘crack’ or ‘squeak’ in French, symbolizing a pivotal moment. It perfectly encapsulates the fervor surrounding this historic and intense rivalry between the two rugby powerhouses.
A Historical Face-Off at Twickenham
The upcoming match at Twickenham promises to be a thrilling encounter as the two nations prepare for their 112th duel on Saturday, February 8, at 5:45 PM. The historical context adds to the excitement, with England boasting 60 victories over France’s 44, alongside 7 draws. This match comes two years after a remarkable defeat for England, where France claimed a resounding victory at Twickenham with a score of 10-53. The stakes are high for both teams, especially for the Blues, who are eager to maintain their momentum following a triumphant 43-0 win against Wales in their autumn tour. What better way to solidify their form than by overcoming their age-old rival, who reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup but saw their Grand Slam dreams dashed with a loss to Ireland (27-22)? While England’s recent performances may not be up to par, they remain a formidable opponent still haunted by their past defeat at home.
“Focusing solely on this match would be a significant mistake,” cautioned French kicker Thomas Ramos. Coach Fabien Galthié echoed this sentiment, noting, “Despite their disappointing results, they are always on the brink of victory.” He recalled their November matches, where England narrowly missed out against the All Blacks, highlighting their potential to surprise. “This is a team among the best in the world, and they will be fierce,” he concluded.
The Crunch is not just any match; it’s a defining moment in the rugby calendar. “I love this term; it perfectly captures the atmosphere of the game. It’s a match filled with intensity,” shared former hooker and French captain Philippe Dintrans, who faced England multiple times in the 1980s. The commitment on the field is palpable, leading to thrilling encounters that have become legendary.
Former international center Richard Dourthe humorously likened the match to breaking a chocolate bar, saying, “When we break the tablet, everything explodes around.” The excitement on the field is palpable, fostering a mutual thrill that brings forth a physically demanding opposition. The Crunch is indeed the Crunch.
But where did the term ‘Crunch’ originate? Its exact beginnings remain a topic of debate. Some historians trace its use back to 1906 during the first-ever France-England match, while others suggest it emerged in the early 1980s. Regardless of its origins, the term has only added more layers to the rich tapestry of this Franco-English rivalry, which has flourished for over a century.