For ordinary people, it is the end of a summer vacation that already seems far away. But, for the XV of France, it looks like eternity. At the end of August 2019, the Blues, then trained by Jacques Brunel and roasted by the demanding physical preparation for the World Cup in Japan, came to bow in Scotland (17-14) after leading 14-3 in the first period .
Since then, the assistant Fabien Galthié, very upset by the defeat that day, took the reins of a XV of France which restored joy to millions of enthusiasts by going to tame the Welsh in Cardiff there are two weeks. And even dares, by the admission of its captain Charles Ollivon, to speak of offering a new Grand Slam to France.
Not long ago, it would have been necessary to lock out a good part of the pubs of Edinburgh, where the Blues put their suitcases Friday, to convince his interlocutor that this faultless in the Tournament was of the order of the conceivable. Today, the Blues show up with a typical team, an attractive game and fit individuals before returning to Scotland this Sunday (4 p.m.) in Murrayfield.
No win at Murrayfield since 2014
But should we really fear this nation? It all depends on how you take it. This fall, it marked time at the World Cup by going out from the group stages and only beat the Italians in this Tournament. But the Blues have not won here since 2014 and the Murrayfield protégés have annoyed the English and Irish in recent weeks.
A priori, it remains in the ropes of this team that we saw overthrow the Welsh in their lair. Yes, but? "We are Latins", breathed Fabien Galthié. In rugby language, this means inconsistent effort. An example: this second match of the Tournament against Italy where some gaps reappeared without warning. "We are alert to this danger," continues the coach. A term used again by manager Raphaël Ibañez on Saturday at a press conference.
"We can't afford to get carried away"
Because if the Blues have constantly emphasized the qualities of the opponent, it was especially necessary to listen when they spoke of their own faults. In Edinburgh, France logically finds itself in the position of favorite of a Tournament that catches the eye. And that is perhaps the main danger. "We can not afford to get carried away," said Charles Ollivon, one of the six holders of the month of August who will start the game on Sunday.
“We hear the concert of praise, but we must not lose sight of our course, insists Galthié. We must not deceive ourselves. "We try to stay cold about all this," continues his captain. We take part of it, because it should serve us, but positively. And allow them to stay united if the Scots try to ignite the meeting. Mistrust: it seems that they went up a 14-3 during a friendly match last summer…