For these blues, “a lot was missing” – liberation

However, France’s XV starts in 2024 as it ends in 2023: with its head in the bucket. And that’s not exactly the angle from which we were sold the view. Unless we read it wrong. Prematurely knocked out of the World Cup this autumn, the Blues have just had their worst start to the 6 Nations tournament. Namely, a home defeat against Ireland. Five years later they experienced such hiccups on the first day. And by quack, we should also mean the second largest difference in points – unfavorable, of course – since they participated in the event (come on, let’s dig a little deeper: that is to say in 1910!). We can still add other figures to finish the picture, but what’s the point?

Just cling to the dark thought that we might want to see these blues as more beautiful than they are, and if not disproved quickly, despair will turn into reality. Because, from this France-Ireland Marseille “Pastis” of February 2, 2024, we have retained a definition, certainly less popular than the famous fennel aperitif, but very real, as we can read it in any dictionary. : one “Embarrassing, complicated situation”.

“We will try to understand”

From 17–38, France conceded five tries (thus giving Ireland an extra offensive bonus point). In the symbol – and, in part, the cause – of the defeat, they had to play with fourteen from the 32nd minute, after second-row Paul Willemse (whose absence was considered harmless, due to injury during the World Cup) was sent off. Following the second yellow card (and in any case converted to red) for the same fault as the first: contact with the shoulder in front of the opponent’s head. Mission impossible, only the end of the first period and the beginning of the second period give a glimpse of the feeling of rebellion that will, eventually, crumble against the opposing force.

Faced with the gravity of the score, coach Fabian Galthy had no choice but to concede. “A Difficult Moment”, with “too many negative charges”, Which he struggled to dissect at the time, choosing to touch on one: “We will try to understand from Monday.” No less stunned, the rare players who agreed to sweep in front of the locker room door certainly tried to take on the gloves, but without diminishing the disappointment, it’s still a little early to gauge the results, really.

Looking to Scotland

Francois Cross, third wing line at Stade Toulouse: “In hot weather, analyzing this defeat is complicated. They started strong and we were engaged from the start. However, after a difficult start to this match, we were unable to get back on track, which would have reversed the pressure. Without being able to free ourselves, it wasn’t possible for us to really set up our game system and we twisted ourselves. They say that highs often come down, but here a lot was missing. Take 40 points (Actually, thirty-eight, editor’s note) At home, it hurts.”

Paul Gabriellegs, the Stade Française second row, will have two reasons to rejoice, celebrating his return to the France team after four and a half years, making his last appearance in blue, and attempting a second and final tricolor, before being substituted, in the 53rd minute: “In sports, as in life, you have to stay positive, look forward. We have no choice, we are not going to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to unite, that’s important. If everyone spreads, it will get complicated.

At the same time, we saw in the background that Paul Willemse was walking from the press room to the bus, without a glance at his partners, sacrificing the obligations of the post-match media ritual, all of them, naturally, taking care not to overwhelm him.

France’s next opponents at the tournament will be Scotland – who kick off this Saturday, February 3, against Wales in Cardiff. Eight days would separate the failed meeting in Marseille from the one at Murrayfield. “We have no time to lose”, François observes the cross. It’s hard to resist.