Les Bleues achieved a successful victory against Italy at Jean-Bouin on Sunday afternoon.
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A first benchmark match in this Tournament. The players of the French XV scored an important victory against Italy (38-15) during the last match of the third day of the Six Nations Tournament, Sunday April 14. Supported by a very good hinge and a perforating first line, the Blues delighted the Parisian public and consolidated their second place behind England.
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The offensive festival and newfound efficiency
This was the downside of the start of the Tournament. During their first two successes, the French had sinned by a lack of efficiency, and it took them numerous chances to succeed in scoring their tries. This afternoon, they offered a real offensive festival with six tries scored, a first since April 2023 and the reception of Wales. “LThe girls responded, had a great time, that’s the main thing”supported David Ortiz in the post-match conference.
This large victory was notably acquired thanks to a very good start, validated in accounting terms by a try almost at the kick-off. “We were keen to get off to a good start, to show solidity and dominance from the start”said the co-selector. “We have more automatisms, two matches together, we find each other more, the passes arrive at the right place at the right time”supported Annaëlle Deshaye in the mixed zone.
The high level hinge
Against the Italians, the Blues were once again supported by an inspired performance. Associated since the start of the Tournament, Pauline Bourdon-Sansus and Lina Queyroi were decisive. The first, captain of this French group and Stade Toulouse, dictated the tempo of her team, while Lina Queyroi (two defenders beaten, two assists) detected multiple openings through her support or her hands.
“Pauline and Lina complement each other really well, we saw it today in the match, they do the job”, smiled Mélissande Llorens, served on a platter by her number 10 to score the bonus try. The stands were not mistaken. Bourdon-Sansus left to the applause of the entire stadium after a little over 50 minutes of play.
The excellent match from the first line
They also distinguished themselves on the pitch. The 100% Bordeaux first line made up of Annaëlle Deshaye, Agathe Sochat, who celebrated her 50th selection, and Assia Khalfaoui produced a very solid performance this Sunday afternoon. The trio made 25 races with the ball , and covered 90 m, a sign of colossal and very valuable activity. The two tricolor pillars also each scored a try, just to take even more care of their statistics sheet.
Day 3: Annaëlle Deshaye’s second powerful attempt
Immediately after the Italians’ penalty, the Blues reacted and a few seconds after the kick-off managed to score the second try of the game to make the break. Assia Khalfaoui is well served by Nassira Kondé and delivers a splendid pass after contact for Annaëlle Deshaye who accelerates to 22 meters and breaks through the last Italian defense to flatten on the line.
“They know each other by heart, they know how they play, the connection is there”greeted captain Manae Feleu at a press conference. “It’s always cool to have front lines that know how to play ball, win their duels and pass arms, they really do a big job for us.” Named player of the match, Assia Khalfaoui was presented with her award after the final whistle by her two teammates, and insisted that they pose with her in the photo, forming the letter “A” with their fingers. the common initial of their first names.
The boiling atmosphere at Jean-Bouin
The Blues wanted to get in shape for their reunion with their public, three weeks after the celebration of the first match at Le Mans. They capsized the hearts of the 13,586 Jean Bouin supporters present in the stands. “It’s a boost of energy to play in front of our audience, in an almost full stadium […] In our heads, we approach matches with more serenity when we know that there is a 16th player in the stadium with us.”appreciated David Ortiz.
After the final whistle, the players celebrated their great victory with their audience for a long time, taking the time to greet each stand, with clapping and giant karaoke to “Freed from desire” on the program. “At the end, the laps of honor are always magical for us”also enjoyed Charlotte Escudero.
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Relaxation at the end of the match
This is perhaps the point which concentrated the self-criticism after the meeting. In the bays of Jean-Bouin, the coaches and players pointed out this end of the match a little short, during which the Blue were notably pierced by the second Italian try (78th). “There was a lot of rhythm throughout the match, it was also the first heat”justified co-selector Gaëlle Mignot.
The Blues assured that they wanted to work on these “small mistakes” to make an even cleaner copy at the end of the Tournament. “There are still things we can improve on at the end of the match”David Ortiz quickly asked. “We always want to do better, there are always things to find to work on, and we will work hard on them for the future”, assured Manae Feleu. They will have to be erased if the Blues want to have a chance of overthrowing the Red Roses, title holders and final opponents of the Tournament, during a confrontation where the final coronation will perhaps be played out on April 27. Before that, we will first have to bring back a result from Cardiff on April 21.