The players of the women's XV of France, after their inaugural success against Italy, receive Ireland on Saturday (3:15 p.m.) in Toulouse, with the intention of playing "
more liberated
" to reassure themselves in their quest for a first title in the Six Nations Tournament since 2018.
Feverish in the first period against the catchy Italians (final score 39-6), the Blues multiplied the approximations: forwards, loss of balls, problems in touches and in melee … Before setting the record straight back from the locker room.
“
I think there was a bit of a rush, a bit of pressure because it was the first match of the Tournament.
Some players, who are not used to it, were in difficulty, so we were a little surprised.
But there was also a great team in front of us, which accentuated our excitement
, ”analysis with AFP Annick Hayraud, the manager of the Blue.
But this first match at the start a little messy, which nevertheless ended in an improved victory without conceding the slightest try, is ultimately "
perhaps a blessing in disguise
", believes the technician.
“
We were disturbed on our conquest, which is new for us because until now, in melee as in touch, we mastered.
And then also on the game, because we didn't offer a lot of alternation, when we have everything in store
, ”says Annick Hayraud.
"
We need to grow a little more
," she says.
Hence the seven changes made in the team that will face the Irish at the Ernest-Wallon stadium compared to that lined up against the Italians, to bring “
a little more maturity
”.
The opponents of Les Bleues, who did not qualify for the World Cup in New Zealand (October 8-November 12) and lost against Wales last Saturday, are going through a complicated period: they are "
a little in the hard
”, with a staff that has changed and the need to rebuild.
Of its 19 duels with Ireland in the Tournament, the women's XV of France has won 16, including 9 at home.
"
But Ireland remains a team that still has a lot of heart and desire
," warns the coach.
Young full-back Chloé Jacquet, who scored the bonus try against Italy but is on the substitutes' bench on Saturday, is well aware of this: "
They're going to put a lot of pressure on us, so it's up to us to adapt, to play fair and more liberated
,” she told AFP.
The XV of France will then travel to Scotland on April 10 during the 3rd day of the Tournament.
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