We knew it was going to hit hard: thanks to their iron defense, the Blues can dream of the Six Nations

This time, the opponent was of a different caliber. The result, in the end, turned out to be almost the same. The French team triumphed over Ireland on Saturday in Clermont-Ferrand, securing the offensive bonus (26-7). Just like they did in the opening of the Six Nations Tournament two weeks ago in Grenoble against Italy (40-7), and in Wales last weekend (7-38). The matches followed a similar pattern. Initial difficulties in the first half, followed by a dominant performance after the hour mark. And a heroic defense, with only one try conceded each time.

“It may look similar in terms of score, but it was quite different against Ireland because this team was much stronger than the previous ones,” reacted coach François Ratier. “It was a real test match, the fourth (France) against the fifth (Ireland) in the world rankings. It was a real battle.” A tough challenge for his players. The Irish, seeking revenge after their elimination by the French team in the World Cup quarter-finals on September 14 (18-13) despite being in control, imposed a tough game for almost fifty minutes. A game with no real opportunities. The French, resilient in defense, resisted and eventually wore down their opponents, gaining physical dominance in the second half.

“We knew it was going to be tough, we still have a lot of work to do, but it feels good to win,” confessed Mathilde Lazarko, the hooker of the French XV, who folded but never broke. “We knew they were going to hit hard,” added captain Manae Feleu. “We felt it in the impacts. We responded. None of them are looking too far ahead. Neither is their coach, who took over from Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz after the World Cup last autumn and is steadily making progress.

“They (his predecessors) did a good job, the team already had a good defensive foundation,” highlighted François Ratier. “When you have a good defense, good set pieces, you can go places. Now, it’s up to us to bring more speed, power, flair, and intelligence into our attack. But that doesn’t happen in three matches. Today we are seeking balance, and we will find it.”

The goal is to do better than the previous mandate, which ended in failure. The French team was eliminated in the World Cup semi-finals on September 20 by England (35-17), the 17th defeat in a row against the Roses since 2018. They will meet England again on May 17 in Bordeaux for another Six Nations Final. The trip to Scotland, eight days earlier, felt more like a warm-up, given the huge gap with the players of the Thistle, second to last in the standings and demolished at home by England a week ago (7-84).

“Everyone thinks that because we’re France, the matches will be easy, but not at all,” noted François Ratier. “What pleases me is the spirit of this team that refuses to give in, building solidarity. When the players look at each other, they all want to go to the same place together. This is very positive because it’s the foundation of our sport. Of course, there are many things in the project that need correction, but it’s only been three matches and the ultimate goal is in three and a half years.” The 2029 World Cup in Australia, where the French team dreams of a crown they have never won.