France – Argentina (37-23): Attack, defense… The Blues impressively efficient on the November tour

Deprived of alcohol in the locker room, these Blues still had a great general tour. 100% victories in this autumn tour (against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina), as in 2021 and 2022. 100% efficiency, or almost: at the foot with Thomas Ramos, in the zones tests in attack, but also in defense so as not to concede points in hot moments. At the end of this last victory in the bays of the Stade de France, the players of the XV of France delivered some elements of the recipe for their autumn success.

Perforating Blues in attack…

52 points scored against Japan. 30 against the All Blacks. And 37 against the Argentinians to finish. The Blues were prolific offensively over their three November meetings with the “worst” performance being three tries against New Zealand. And each time, having less possession of the ball than the opponent, even against the weak Japanese.

The Blues were effective. Very effective, even. Formidable against the All Blacks, with these three passes into the goal with 90 passes over the entire match. Clinic against the Pumas, with these 30 points spent in the first period. “We knew they were very strong when they entered the 22,” says Argentinian coach Felipe Contepomi. They are very pragmatic, they took every opportunity. France is one of the best teams in the world. »

During the month of November, we had the impression that these French people needed almost nothing to score. A ball lying around, a kick into the void and the supersonic Louis Bielle-Biarrey which emerges, for example. “We really work on recovery balls,” underlines pillar Reda Wardi. When we recover it, we try to place it in areas where we will be effective behind, with the movement of the players. »

It’s strong. But to what extent? “We can do better,” says coach Fabien Galthié. We have highlights that we don’t convert. » Beyond the tests, the Blues also owe these salty additions to the precision of their scorer Thomas Ramos, author of a flawless performance.

…and all involved in defense

It’s not all about scoring tries. To resist the comebacks of the All Blacks or the Argentines in the second period, we also had to rely on defensive efficiency. On this tour, the Blues also obtained satisfaction from the boss on this level. “We showed a remarkable state of mind over these three meetings,” greets Antoine Dupont. We saw a real desire not to break up. It is foundational for the future. »

Charles Ollivon, huge in this sector on Saturday against Argentina with 19 tackles (best total of the match), agrees, with one caveat: “In defense, I think it’s not bad. We can be even more disciplined, we missed a few tackles. But our defense allowed us to recover a lot of shots. »

Against Argentina, we saw the Blues block the Pumas near their line, and saving ready-made tries. “We worked hard throughout the month,” explains Wardi. The coaches put a big focus on the attack, but also the defense. It is essential not to be effective in just one area. » And everyone is invited to get involved. When it’s hot, three-quarters come to lend a hand to the forwards in advance.

“On mauls, the first thing to do is to get with the forwards to try to stop them,” explains winger Gabin Villière, who did not spare himself in this sector. On the rucks too, when we can slow down the game and gain a second or two to allow the forwards to reposition themselves. These are things that are not very visible, a bit in the shadows.” But which allows the XV of France to come out of this tour in full light.