Despite a huge burst of energy in combat and the defensive sector, Thomas Darracq’s players conceded their first World Cup defeat against the English on Saturday.
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The challenge was immense, the Bleues did not disappoint. We could even say that we have found them. Drawing up such an observation after this defeat of the XV of France (7-13) against England, this Saturday, October 15 during the second group match of the World Cup, could seem presumptuous, yet rarely has a meeting so well borne the name of “encouraging defeat”. And the defensive bonus point confirms it well.
214 tackles and a huge defense of our Blues. It wasn’t enough, but the girls didn’t escape today! #FRAANG #XVdeFrance #Don’tDoXV pic.twitter.com/hG0DYVFoJE
– France Rugby (@FranceRugby) October 15, 2022
If the Bleues had not lost their number 9 Laure Sansus, best player of the 2022 Tournament and best Frenchwoman of the year, from the 13th minute, hit in the knee, then saw their tireless tackler and puncher Romane Ménager come out a few minutes later after an impressive knockout, we could even find her frankly exciting for the rest of the competition.
This Saturday, condemned to defend against the overpowered English, they could not prevent their best enemy and the great favorite at the final crowning from extending her impressive series of matches without defeat (27), but it had been a while since we had not seen Caroline Drouin’s teammates defend with such ardor and present such continuity throughout a meeting.
After enjoying themselves offensively against Fiji, whom they crushed (84-19) by scoring 14 tries, the Red Roses had to wait 24 long minutes before seeing Emily Scarratt benefit from a judicious cross to puncture the defense and score the first try of the match and the only English (7-0, 24th). They weighed down the score by validating two penalties. The answer from the XV of France came in the 64th minute: pass with a millimeter foot from Caroline Drouin towards the wing, Joanna Grisez grabbed the ball, used her power and her support, before serving Gaëlle Hermet who flattened in the en -goal (7-13).
Never have these English women lost in the group stage of the World Cup, but rarely has a team made them tremble so much. Enough to offer great promises before the final group match against Fiji next weekend where they will have to secure their place for the final table.