They were expected and did not disappoint. The attacking bonus in the pocket just before halftime gave a first glimpse of the Blue’s performance on Sunday 10 April. France’s XV has mastered his subject almost perfectly to dominate the Scottish players (8-28) and exit his first trip to the Six Nations tournament with another win. After a tough game, but triumphant against Italy in the opening, and then a more solid success against Ireland, the Blues offered a first half of high flight in Scotland before stalling in the second act. Enough, however, to chain a third success in as many games.
Particularly valuable was the contribution of Jessy Trémoulière, who returned from profession replaced at the opening for the occasion. Thanks to this clear round, the XV of France can still dream of a Grand Slam that has not been achieved since 2018. Next step, Wales, April 22.
If the score can suggest a French health walk, the Blues have mostly characterized this match by their pragmatism and airtight defense in the first period. Les Tricolores left the initiative of the game to the Scots (38% possession for France’s XV at half time), penalizing wave after wave more than usual, but without much impact on the scoreboard.
“We definitely need to put our heads back in placenevertheless warned the Blue captain, Gaëlle Hermet, at the end of the match. We took too many penalties in this game. It’s good to win, it was necessary, but it will be difficult in Wales, and something else against England. We will have to be more precise in terms of branding.”
For if Chardon’s XV was satisfied with only three points scored on a penalty at the break (28-3, 40th) and the Blues realized the fewest of their chances, France’s XV remained fanny in the second period unlike the Scots who scored their only try of the match through the back Chloé Rollie (69th).
Among the satisfactions, two French women stood out in particular. Laure Sansus and Jessy Trémoulière (crowned player of the match) were tied at the hinge for the first time in the tournament. At the scrum, the first confirmed her emergence in this team by, among other things, placing the first try of the match thanks to a trap match to follow for herself (9th, 7-0). For its part, the best player in the world in 2018, who we have rarely seen play in this position from the first half, committed to sending the Scots home 50/22 and raising the score. † As a bonus, she also went there with her test thanks to a well-felt fake pass (28th).
Les Bleues have ten days to prepare for their next game against Wales. They have no room for error if they are to afford a final against England, in Bayonne, on April 30.
