France-Japan (35-17): Blues win without a shine and end the year unbeaten

An appetizer as a dessert is always good to take with you. We lick in advance and do not risk indigestion. Well, he often lacks consistency, but in this oval world, where numbers rule and the rejection of the slightest risk, smoothness without hitches and roughness, you cannot refuse. So this Sunday, the Blues (35-17) were quite strolling (35-17) in Toulouse, in a crowded stadium, facing the Japanese, who seem to be in decline after the World Cup they organized in 2019. the sacred fire that once carried them.

XV of France took the opportunity to achieve his 13th success in a row, a record for him, and end the calendar year undefeated. This is the first time in the post-war period, and this well reflects the solidity of this team ten months before the start of the World Cup (September 8 – October 28, 2023), of which it will certainly become a favorite. . All signals are currently green. She won this fall without being brilliant. She did not master her game, nor the course of her matches, but every time she emerged victorious. The Australians (30-29) and South Africans (30-26), beaten on a wire during the first two meetings of the tour, were able to measure the aggressiveness that drives her when she feels in danger.

On this Sunday afternoon, when it was a bit damp in Toulouse, the Habams didn’t need that extra soul. Without their best player in the world and captain Antoine Dupont, who was suspended last week for a dangerous tackle against the Springboks, they have shown they know how to strictly adhere to the recipes imposed by their staff. They have even become masters of this percentage kitchen where you only attack in certain areas, at very specific times, to recover balls left in the way by the opponent, preferably to avoid the risk of defending in place.

Jaliber is decisive when it comes into play

Of course, at times we almost fell asleep, but this is part of modern rugby. The Irish, currently world number one, weren’t more exciting against Australia the day before (13-10 win) and the All Blacks once again showed some serious air pockets against a bad team from England, deciding to play their lost cause just once (25-25 ).

Therefore, we will be satisfied with the offensive inclinations of Thomas Ramos, the only one who occasionally broke out of the required patterns. The back of the Blues and Stade Toulouse, playing at home, even showed the way, initiating a move that was completed by Damian Penot’s first attempt (7th). He was too rarely followed in this match, which seemed to be completed after a try by captain Charles Olivon, who was served by his childhood friend, scrum-half Maxime Lucu, running down the line after the button (36th).

During the break 21:3 the case was considered. Then the “blues” let the opponent in, but also loosened their grip, losing two attempts in defensive walks (42nd, 63rd). Without the entry into the game of Mathieu Jalibert, who replaced Romain Ntamak (57th), they could have some concerns. The inspiration and punch of the opening Bordeaux finally allowed them to take shelter for good.

His little kick that follows him, which leads to the test of Anthony Geloncha (73rd), is a model of its kind. There is so much talent in his Tricolor. It is a pity that it is enclosed in a framework that is sometimes too rigid.