Often, when a beautiful favorite tag sticks on the forehead of an athlete, then its first trend is trying to tear him. Like Romen Natmac, before France – Ireland on Saturday, in St. Dennis, which can already change the fate of six nation tournaments. “Irish is worth this situation because they are third in the world, nine are made on straight win, a big game against a super tour and Welsh in November [29-7]”Blues Opener’s argument.

Of course, teammates Johnny Sexton (absent due to injury against the Blues) mixed up the leaks in Dublin, with the Blues continuing a “good but not good” performance against the Italians (37–10). However, nothing helps. Fabian Galthy’s men, 5th in the previous world rugby rankings for what it’s worth, carry a bigger sign, appearing even higher since the victory over the All Blacks in November (40–25).

Take Austin Healy, the former versatile three-quarter of Rose’s XV at the turn of the millennium. on 31st December. in the column of Wire, they welcomed the return of grace to attacking rugby embodied by France, for which they predicted victory in the 2022 tournament, a first for twelve years. Then, while we’re at it, “his” a win at the 2023 World Cup.

However, as a good Englishman, Healy is not a blissful Francophile. In March 2016, in the same newspaper, he wrote that the blues were “so bad it is painful to watch”. And in February 2019, he rated him as “zero and his coaching disastrous”. The mustache of the coach of the time, Jacques Brunel, still trembles with indignation.

“A great team with great capacity”

Since these recent black years, a new generation has taken power. Under the leadership of Antoi DuPont, the world’s best player, and was caressed by the Fabian Gall., it attracts well beyond the “channel”.

“It’s a great team with great potential, excited about 20 minutes Scott Hastings, a former Scottish center from the 1980s and 1990s, is now a “freelance” consultant. The structure created by the coaches is excellent and the Blues are able to beat any team in the world. ,

“Everyone loves this France team, says Bernard Jackman, Former Irish International Hooker Grenoble (2011-2019) coach, public visual audio group RTE consultant. Since the beginning of the tournament, I am saying that he is going to win. She plays very proud, she is mentally strong, especially many X factors behind, such as DuPont, FicO and Jaminet. When you see that Teddy Thomas like a winger [actuellement blessé] Not in the first choice, it is a sign that the workforce is too deep. And I have full faith in the employees who are very capable. ,

Scott HastingsUnforgettable Gavin’s brothers, “a stable team that plays with confidence” and “rhythm as well as runners and physical players who mobilize opposing defenders, add the names of Wokey, Alldritt and Entamack.”

shallow irish bench

So what do we do? Shall we now shut everything down and send the tournament trophy to FFR’s headquarters? The Irish, who also beat the blacks in the fall (29-20), still seem to be the main rivals of the French and Saturday’s match will look like a premature final (sorry for the cliché).

Then, even a former Clover player gives the band a slight advantage in Galthy. “These are the strongest teams, but let’s take the example of the front lines,” says Jackman. We, along with Porter-Kelleher-Furlong, we are good. But when you turn around after 60 minutes, the level drops a bit and the French will have more of an impact. We only have four professional provinces in Ireland [Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht], 125 or 130 players to choose from. ,

Beware of Scotland?

A friendly calendar with a welcoming of the Irish with a tiny little tank, then the British were defeated (20–17) by entry into Scotland, the Welsh’s travel cut short and crippled by osteoarthritis… the irresistible French The path seems clear. Not so quickly, Scott Hastings replied. “I think France can win the tournament but won’t be able to make the Grand Slam. Pressure from VI nations and the fact of playing away can put players under stress.”

Essentially, the former record holder of XV’s selection at Chardon (65) has an idea in his mind. “If the Scots beat the Welsh on Saturday, the game at Murrayfield [le 26 février] can be fun. ,

Already, Bernard Jackman plays a potential blow. “Even if France does not win this tournament, then he can see the future with optimism, Irishman, now a trading leader in the technology and coach of the cyclical Rangers, a reputable amateur club in Dublin Assure. The team will continue to improve the next four or five years and continue to do some very interesting things. In the fall of 2023, it will not be bad.