It was the time when French rugby aspired to be world champions at home in the fall and when the French XV corrected its long-time rival on home soil.
On March 11, 2023, the Blues played at Twickenham and won a historic victory with a 43-point difference (10-53).
A year later, Fabien Galthié's men did not go beyond the quarter-final stage during the World Cup and found on Saturday evening a XV de la Rose reinvigorated by their third place in this competition and which is coming off a victory (23-22 ) on the big Irish favorite before this final day of the Six Nations Tournament.
“They must have it in the back of their minds, but it’s not the same England team,” warned the French captain, Grégory Alldritt, this Friday.
They had a non-match last year.
We don't approach this meeting by telling ourselves that we have a head start.
We know they are going to have a big match.
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“England adds a little flavor”
“On our side, there is a lot of excitement,” underlines the third center line.
Playing an international match in France is already exceptional.
Facing a team determined to win, it's even more exciting.
And the fact that it’s England adds a little flavor.
We can't wait until tomorrow to send everything we have.
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Facing the English, the Blues present themselves with the same group of 23 victorious from Wales on Sunday in Cardiff (24-45).
And will try to win their first victory at home in this Tournament and since October, where the Blues had outclassed Italy (60-7) in the World Cup groups in the same Décines-Charpieu stadium where they face the XV de la Rose on Saturday evening.
Read alsoXV of France: “He assures and he reassures”, why Grégory Alldritt was appointed captain for the Tournament
“Of course, we want to win abroad, but also in France.
We have not always satisfied our supporters during this Tournament, this is the opportunity to do so, slips the captain.
We want to put out a big performance to make them proud.
» And treat yourself to the Crunch to complete the Tournament.