It’s hard not to get caught up in dreaming of a victory in the Tournament as these Blues are exciting. While the XV of France took advantage of the third day of the six nations to leave Scotland with the congratulations of the jury and a stinging victory (36-17), their pursuers fought hard to stay in the race. Overview before the penultimate day on March 11 and 12.
They offered a demonstration of power both on the field and in the stands. Carried by numerous supporters, Antoine Dupont’s teammates sickened the Scots who had not lost in their lair against the Blues since 2014. Despite a slight air pocket in the middle of the first period, the Tricolores slammed six tries (including four exceptional ones) to what was before this match the best defense of the Tournament. Excuse a bit.
With three victories, two of which were bonuses, the French team, as an undefeated leader, is the only one who can still dream of a Grand Slam. We will first have to beat Wales on March 11, a nation against which the Blues of Fabien Galthié have so far never fallen.
If nothing is mathematically over, the Scottish and Welsh title contenders stand as the big losers of the weekend. The first, slapped by the Blues, will have to catch up on the next day in Italy to hope to take advantage of a misstep from the better placed nations. The second are the unfortunate defeats of a sluggish clash between Britons. Without being brilliant, it was England who won (23-19) after a match marred by faults and injuries. By crushing Italy – quickly reduced to 14 – the Irish were full of confidence.
With a similar record of two wins and one defeat, the XV of Clover (2nd, 11 pts) and the XV of the Rose (3rd, 10 pts) remain in ambush behind the Blues (1st, 14 pts). The two pursuers will face each other in a clash that promises to be explosive on the fourth day.
The Nazionale conceded another defeat (57-6), the third in as many games. The Transalpins, who have not won in the Tournament since February 28, 2015, are slowly but surely advancing towards a new wooden spoon, a trophy promised to those who only know defeat.