That was THE question.
The XV of France, so exciting at the beginning of the year, in particular during its successes against England and ... Wales, would he find his going broken by a defeat in Scotland then more than seven months without a match for cause of health crisis?
The answer did not fall instantly on Saturday night in a deserted and dismal Stade de France.
There were even a few minutes, ten or so, of frank concern.
The Blues, amorphous and rough, cash 10 points.
The specter of a not so distant past is pointing its nose.
Before being driven out with authority.
Inspired actions, twirling three-quarters and dominating forwards, for five attempts registered.
Far from being trivial since we have to go back to 2015 to find traces of such fireworks against a major nation.
It was against England at Twickenham, but Philippe Saint-André's troop also conceded seven for a 55-35 loss ...
This team really adheres to Galthié's offensive game plan
The performance against the Welsh (success 38 to 21) is all the more remarkable as these Blues had only one collective training worthy of the name in the legs after 33 weeks of separation.
The promises of the month of February have therefore not gone away.
This team really adheres (we were too used, in the recent past, to declarations of intent never followed by acts…) to the offensive game plan of Fabien Galthié and his assistants.
She has not forgotten the principles.
And as there is talent - Dupont, Vakatawa, Ntamack, Thomas… -, she packs her meetings and her supporters… behind their small screen, depressing behind closed doors requires.
A conquering face auspicious before, next Saturday same time, same deserted stadium, to challenge Ireland.
With a real stake this time since this meeting will close the Tournament of the six nations 2020. A competition that France, Ireland and England (which has the advantage of receiving Italy) can still claim to gain.
Chronic indiscipline
This warm-up against the Welsh, as pleasing as it was, is also worth a warning.
Against the Irish, we must not repeat the same mistakes.
This ignition delay of course, but also this chronic indiscipline, in particular in the ground game (the famous rucks).
The English referee, Mr. Dickinson, has not done in half measures: 16 penalties against Bernard Le Roux and his partners against only ... 4 against the Welsh.
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An "incredible imbalance at this level" (Galthié) which will not forgive against the Irish of Sexton, elite scorers.
Another point to be resolved quickly, the aerial game.
With the fall of high balls and other candles, the French rearguard was overtaken.
Work tracks for the week which promises to be studious on the Marcoussis side.
Because against the XV of Clover, it will be necessary to do strong, very strong.
The ideal opportunity for the Blues to prove that they have come back to the top of the major nations.
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