The XV of France on a mission against Ireland

Thursday morning, at the hour of confidences, Raphaël Ibanez and Fabien Galthié, who had just been informed of the attack perpetrated in Nice, had a serious face.

Attacks, containment, crisis, sport may seem ridiculous.

So the manager, and ex-captain, of the Blues has, in an almost solemn way, positioned this match against Ireland in this context so heavy.

“It further enhances the mission of the XV of France.

For us, who have the privilege of evolving in a very high level sporting context, it is an additional mission entrusted to us: to bring a little light, a few smiles for a few moments in front of the television to all these people, these people. supporters who are about to suffer.

"

Sitting next to him, the coach nods.

His players are not immune to all this bad news.

They must draw from it one more reason to honor the jersey struck of the Rooster.

“It's a chance to be able to continue playing, insists Fabien Galthié.

We have no reason to complain, to regret playing in an empty stadium.

Behind this empty stadium, there are millions of French people who, in front of their TV screens, are waiting for a moment of pleasure and sharing… ”

On a mission, therefore, Captain Charles Ollivon and his playing partners. Last week, against Wales, the flashes of Antoine Dupont, Virimi Vakatawa or Romain Ntamack delighted all lovers of the oval ball and the XV of France .

As at the beginning of the year, before the end of the competition, they savored this return of French genius, saluted this little air of “French flair”.

So, tonight, they are all hoping for another crazy cavalcade, dazzling gestures and, even, strong, courageous, aggressive forwards, winning the tough fight against the Irish pack renowned for its “fighting spirit”.

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Raphael Ibanez

For two hours, they want to forget this gloomy daily life, to escape a little in front of thirty players bitterly fighting for the ball and the victory.

What may seem futile to those who display a good-natured disdain for sport is essential for millions of enthusiasts.

A corner of blue sky in the blues.

And, tonight at the Stade de France, the Blues can offer more than smiles to all their fans.

Pride if, by chance, they accomplished another mission, sporting this one: to win the Six Nations Tournament.

A distinction after which the XV of France has been running since… 2010. In other words, an eternity.

This quest promises to be arduous, if not impossible.

The soap opera having stopped in early March, a little reminder is in order.

Three teams can claim the final victory: England, Ireland and France.

The XV of the Rose has the advantage of facing Italians in Rome once again promised to a new wooden spoon.

The victory of the English is not in doubt.

It remains to know its extent.

Because the Blues, to lift the trophy, will have to face Ireland as well.

Very complicated.

Especially since the XV du Trèfle does not come with its hands at the top of the handlebars.

By winning at Saint-Denis, he would win the Tournament.

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Impossible then.

“We have as much chance of winning the tournament as Ireland or England,” Raphaël Ibanez replied firmly and concisely.

Provoking the hilarity of Fabien Galthié.

"There you go, it's pretty simple isn't it?

“But the coach is not fooled.

Not the type to delude yourself.

He therefore prefers to set another expectation, essential in the construction of his team.

“We must take up the issue of consistency.

We were good against England, then average against Italy, good in Wales and beaten in Scotland.

After having been good against the Welsh, this time we want continuity, consistency.

"

Win a prestigious victory, the fifth in six meetings since taking charge of the XV of France.

And it doesn't matter if England ultimately wins the Tournament.

"We should not be too burdened with considerations and assumptions," concludes the coach.

A great victory against the Irish would suffice, it is true, for the fleeting happiness of the supporters.

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