For a hand of Cameron Woki slipped or not under a ball, the XV of France bowed at Twickenham against England (23-20) where he has not won since 2007. The prospect of a Grand Slam fainted while the Welsh and then the Scots will take turns at the Stade de France.
After a month without meeting the Tournament due to the Covid-19 episode, the Blues nevertheless showed themselves to their advantage for a large part of the match.
The main downside comes from the substitutes: Cazeaux, Aldegheri, Gros, Woki and Chat did not provide the energy necessary to maintain the advantage.
The English liners changed the meeting.
Forwards: Royal Merchant
Like hooker Julien Marchand, with an impressive slaughter, as hard in defense as he is quick to infiltrate the slightest mouse hole (16th), the “big guys” in front did better than hold the road.
The pillars Haouas and Baille, dominators in melee, perfectly fulfilled their mission.
The second row Willemse and Taofifenua remained solid and very present despite the imposed pace.
Alldritt delivered an impeccable performance, as usual.
He often countered the English movements.
He was perfectly supported in this role by his captain Ollivon, and Cretin, very incisive.
The hinge: Jalibert at the top
Dupont started his "number" from the first actions.
He scored a try in the 2nd minute by recovering a kick to follow from Thomas.
We still saw it everywhere.
His passes and decisions boosted the game of the Blues.
The only downsides, he was countered in his twenty-two meters but immediately recovered by causing an English forward (22nd), and he made a forward on the last action.
Jalibert was impeccable at the opening.
His fiery legs allowed him to boost speed with each ball hit.
He managed a clear round in his attempts at goal.
The rears: reassuring Dulin
At the back, Dulin once again reassured his team on the air balloons.
Clean in all his initiatives, he cleared his camp or relaunched when necessary.
He was intractable in defense.
The weak point of the winger Thomas, who forgot one or two tackles.
The Racingman, on the other hand, was constantly dangerous on his attacking balls, like Penaud on the other wing.
The Clermontois is at the conclusion of a magnificent movement initiated on a long touch, by Fickou, and relayed by Dupont and Jalibert (32nd).
The Stade Français player formed with Racingman Vakatawa a pair of centers as dense and airtight in defense as they were unpredictable with the ball in their hands.
The notes :
Baille: 7 - Marchand: 7.5 - Haouas: 6 - Taofifenua: 6.5 - Willemse: 6.5 - Cretin: 6 - Alldritt: 7 - Ollivon: 6.5 - Dupont: 7 - Jalibert: 7.5 - Crestfallen: 6.5 - Fickou: 6.5 - Vakatawa: 6.5 - Thomas: 6 - Dulin: 7.