All that was missing was a little snow that was a risk of slipping. The pastures remain green and the Blues closed their autumn tour successfully with a pretty good score (48-33) at the not-yet-warm Stade de France this Saturday evening in Saint-Denis.
After a defeat two weeks ago against South Africa (17-32), then a poor win against Fiji (34-21) seven days ago in Bordeaux, results this November look mixed.
The French XV was summed up in its first important action. A fortunate rebound from Australia’s slight kick went past the French defence. Charles Ollivon, recovers the ball. The attack was immediate until Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who ran down the right wing, then found Nicolas Depoortere inside. A school essay. An essay that clearly reflects the strength of this French team, capable of stunning attacks amidst the enemy’s chaos but very shy when it comes to creating them themselves.
At this level, the Wallabies, dominated by England (25-7), topped by Italy (16-9) and crushed by Ireland (46-19) over the last three weekends, still present themselves as ideal prey. Generous but not too strict. Intentional but not precise. Constantly pampering. Even offered himself.
And now Antoine Dupont’s return to the Tournament
Shaken, caught in a grouping, the Tricolores await the offering. There was more, such as an uncontrolled touch that resulted in Thomas Ramos making an unopposed attempt (12-12, 25). This also requires genius. And that’s coming from the fastest on the field. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, once again, was responsible for the rocket-like acceleration down his left wing this time. A small kick to follow the peak at full speed, recovery, new acceleration and that’s it (19-12, 31). Talent… So beautiful. Amazing even. It’s effective. But that’s not enough.
The famous defense that was the cornerstone of Fabien Galthié’s success at the start of his first mandate is now a distant memory. The three-color pack is no longer a rock. Buried too easily, he even left a gray area around him, allowing Australia to attack and turn the game around in the first half for a well-deserved draw (19-19). Taking advantage of the yellow card dropped on Maxime Lucu (36).
The Blues, who are often overwhelmed, actually double their mistakes. Worrying about a team that has been together for a month and has had plenty of time to perfect its setup, so everyone can breathe when needed.
This French XV lacked depth and punch but still managed to avoid further disappointment against a kneeling Australian at the end of a grueling season. It took a glance from Thomas Ramos to give him some air on a feel-good move finished by Nicolas Depoortere, then a strong try from Julien Marchand to finally cover (34-26, 56), before a counter-attack converted by… Louis Bielle-Biarrey, followed by a strike from Maxime Lamothe.
But we must not hide behind banners placed on exhausted animals. This fall tour will raise a lot of questions. In two and a half months, on February 5, the Six Nations Tournament will kick off with a match at the Stade de France against Ireland. What can we expect from a team that has lost momentum? Antoine Dupont’s return? Avid fighter, unrivaled athlete, irreplaceable captain, will the scrum half, who has an immediate return to the Top 14 following surgery on his right knee ligaments last March, turn things around for himself? This is almost worrying considering the 2027 World Cup is fast approaching. But less than if nothing moved…
