Six months before "its" World Cup (September 8 to October 28), the XV of France has sent a strong signal to the competition.
The latter, like most observers, had noted a decline.
Since the November tour, these Blues were less authoritarian, less sovereign than during the 2022 Six Nations Tournament, completed by a Grand Slam.
They had been hot against Australia, had had to work to submit the tough South African world champions.
Three weeks ago, they had even returned to the bitter taste of defeat after a year and a half of success for an unprecedented series of 14 victories in a row.
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Calendar and results 6 Nations
Ranking Tournament 6 of Nations
After the defeat in Dublin, the Blues and their coach had tried to minimize the exit from the road.
Losing on the lawn of the world's number 1 team was nothing outrageous or worrying.
Behind this posture of facade, they were however well and truly offended.
Annoyed by the criticisms that were beginning to emerge.
Italy, Ireland...
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