Sparkling, then clumsy, before being monstrous in defense and against… XV France finally overcame Scotland (36-17) on Saturday February 26 at Murrayfield. France had been running behind such success since 2014.
In the icy atmosphere of the setting nestled in Edinburgh, the Blues won, thanks to a second period while mastery, a third consecutive victory in three games in the Six Nations Tournament. Undefeated leaders, the Blues can still dream of a Grand Slam that has eluded them for almost ten years.
In a totally untied encounter that went from elation to panic in the space of an instant, it’s hard to know where to begin. In addition to its failure to start (return directly into touch and failed attempt by the back Melvyn Jaminet in front of the poles), the XV of France has often been brilliant. Moreover, we even saw some Scots salute this “great rugby“respectful applause.
First there was “Captain Dupont”, as valuable in his role as a blaster of the attack, as in his ability to cut the passing lines to cut off the Scottish offensives. It is he who puts his head in the place of everyone by committing a formidable recovery to lead to the test of Willemse (7th, 7-0).
The beasts were finally unleashed. Shifted to the wing for his “hefty” profile and his fire rods, Yoram Moefana was – like Jonathan Danty – a winning choice for the coach. The Bordelo-Béglais took the opportunity to plant his first try in blue after a festival of passes in the defense of Damian Penaud – author of a double – and Cyril Baille (12-3, 13th). After an air gap where they were particularly penalized – 3 faults in 5 minutes – they saw the XV du Chardon come back to two small points (28th, 10-12).
But Gregor Townsend’s players couldn’t turn the game around despite a succession of big chances. The forward of the rear and Scottish taulier, Stuart Hogg in the 38th, when he only had to slip away on trial is proof of this. It is surely there, moreover, that the turning point of the match was played. The Blues decided to try a last ball by going into touch just before halftime. Another winning choice. After a lunar cross race – which should not be reproduced in rugby schools – Gaël Fickou scored an incredible test of determination by flirting with the sidelines (40th, 19-10).
The Tricolores having accustomed us to the start of the second period, nothing was done at halftime. The Scots who – a rare image – left the stands for some before the final whistle, were far from thinking that they would end up disgusted by these Blues. The faults that came to weigh down the French conquest disappeared in favor of high-ranking defensive sequences, a precise occupation kick game and counters of formidable efficiency.
Absent against Ireland, the three-quarter center Jonathan Danty dashed their hopes after two minutes. Opportunistic, he recovered a little kicking game over Damian Penaud and rushed into the in-goal. The latter, wonderfully served by Romain Ntamack on a kick pass concluded the blue try festival by scoring the sixth tricolor try for a scathing 36-17. The rear and striker of the Blues, Melvyn Jaminet, particularly jostled in the air and less successful on foot, could even have increased the score (3/7 against the posts).
A race against the clock is therefore more than ever launched: that of the Grand Slam. Next step ? On March 11, where the French will travel to Wales.