A few months before the World Cup on his land, after a year 2022 finished undefeated (10 victories) and a Six Nations Tournament completed on a Grand Slam, there is no need to procrastinate: the XV of France is under pressure when defending its title.
Or "to go and find a new one" as his coach Fabien Galthié prefers to present him, on the bridge with his troops from Sunday (4 p.m.) in Rome against Italy, the first stage for the tricolors of this vintage 2023. For which all her opponents place her among the favourites.
“They have always had brilliant individuals and exceptional athletes, but there they also have a game plan. Which makes them very difficult to beat, supports Scottish coach Gregor Townsend, outclassed (17-36) at home by the Blues one year ago.
They are ranked second (in the world rankings behind Ireland), but they are probably the best team in the world.
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The current number one coach, Andy Farrell, does not venture into the field in the debate of the logic or not of seeing the Blues behind his Clover XV, dominated (30-24) at the Stade de France in 2022, but salutes a "fantastic team, capable of winning its matches in many ways".
“They deserved to win the Tournament last year, continues the coach of Ireland, who will host the French on February 11 for a much-awaited shock.
They will still be very dangerous this year.
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A “very disciplined” team
The reasons ?
The work of Galthié's staff, the excellent preparation conditions, but also, as the New Zealand Transalpins coach Kieran Crowley points out, "the quality of the Top 14", which is home to the last two European champions, Toulouse and La Rochelle.
But also, what comes from the mouths of the representatives of the rivals of the tricolors, the discipline of these Blues.
"They're incredible, and they're also a very strong defensive team and very disciplined," said Welsh captain Ken Owens.
“Their biggest improvement is on the disciplinary level.
They are very strong, physically and mentally, ”continues Gregor Townsend, who points to the strength of the victory (30-26) snatched by the Blues against South Africa, world champion, in the fall.
In short, the XV of France, which remains on 13 rank victories, is scary.
And wants to hit hard from the start against the Italians, winners of Australia for the first time in their history in November.
“France is one of the best teams in the world, perhaps the best.
They are very physical, it will be a big challenge to counter them to put them under pressure, anticipates the transalpine captain Michele Lamaro.
We will try to do our best.
It is up to the French to act so that this is not enough.
