France-Ireland (17-38) couldn't have started the Tournament worse. Fabien Galthié received a standing ovation when he appeared on the giant screen.
The Blues faded as rarely. Overwhelmed? Upgraded? Absent? They just got through this first half hour like sated fighters. Far, very far from this esprit de corps which was to make them world champions. The bill is heavy, severe, with five attempts conceded. Paul Willemse, for the same gesture as previously, received a red card, leaving his teammates in a real bind.