The XV de la Rose welcomes France for the 4th day of the Six Nations Tournament, in Twickenham, Saturday (5:45 p.m. on France 2 and france.tv).
Moving more than perilous to come for the XV of France. The Blues challenge England in London, Saturday March 11, during the 4th day of the Six Nations Tournament (at 5:45 p.m. on France 2 and france.tv). After the trip to Ireland, it’s a second big away test for Fabien Galthié’s men, against the historic rival they are hot on the heels of in the Tournament standings.
Twickenham, impregnable fortress for the Blues of Galthié
The Blues face a mountain. At Twickenham, they are moving to the only European stadium where they have not yet won since the start of Fabien Galthié’s mandate. Two years ago, during the 2021 Tournament, they were crucified by a try from Maro Itoje in the last minutes (23-20). AND, for the first England-France under the orders of the new coach, during the Autumn Nations Cup, his players had fallen after extra time (22-19).
“We know that it’s a big team, that it’s always complicated to win there […] They are difficult to handle, especially at home, where they are transcended”, estimated Gaël Fickou in the week at a press conference. The challenge is immense to achieve a first victory on English soil in the Tournament since 2005.
Danty, the power contract
A first tactical adjustment on this Six Nations Tournament for the XV of France. To challenge the English on their lawn, Fabien Galthié and his staff have chosen to establish Jonathan Danty in place of Yoram Moefana in number 12. “We are always satisfied with Yoram’s performance, except that in emulation, there is Jo who comes back. And Jo, so far, has brought us a lot in his style of play, in his complementarity with Gaël (Fickou) “justified the French coach after the announcement of his team.
Indisputable holder of the XV of France, an essential element of the Grand Slam 2022, Jonathan Danty had injured his knee in club at the end of December. Gradually returning to competition for a month, he will be able to bring to the Blues his experience, his explosiveness and his power (106 kg) to move forward, but also a certain defensive density.
Marcus Smith to boost England opener
This is the major change that has caused a lot of ink to flow across the Channel. For his fourth match at the head of the XV de la Rose, Steve Borthwick chose to trust the young Marcus Smith at the opening, instead of Owen Farrell. Established during the first meeting against Scotland, the Harlequins player then had to settle for just a few minutes of play in the other matches.
Facing the Blues, he will have the task of opening up and accelerating the game with his vivacity and his dazzling ball in hand. He will also be expected in the kicking game against the poles, where Owen Farrell has been in great difficulty since the start of the competition (only 47% success).
Success in touch, one of the weapons of the XV of the Rose
Returning to a more traditional game, the English rely on a very good efficiency in touch (92% success on average) to build their offensives. The XV de la Rose has three players among the best recoverers in touch. Against Italy, during a first period of high level, Owen Farrell had gone, five times, to seek the key after a penalty. Two of them had given rise to a trial.
But the French are also solid in the exercise of the key. If they have had a little less success than their opponents since the start of the Tournament (84% on average), they have nevertheless been able to steal three on opposing throws.