Saint-Denis (AFP)

Stifling. Surprising. Impressive. The XV of France, for the first of its new coach Fabien Galthié, outclassed the vice-champions of the English world (24-17), before fighting to keep the victory, Sunday at the Stade de France at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament .

The XV of France, new look, rejuvenated and inexperienced, knocked out the English who had yet predicted hell but were led 17-0 at halftime. As in a dream, everything went in the French direction.

Eddie Jones had promised to bring "physical violence" and "intensity" never seen by the French team. But the only promise kept was that of Galthié: "Expect a presence, a total commitment. To players who will play with passion," said the coach.

Something promised, something due, therefore. The expected bosses of the Blues responded present: Charles Ollivon, first, heroic captain with two tries and a nice rescue in the 45th minute while the XV de la Rose seemed to have found a little spice; the third row Grégory Alldritt also, present on all the balls but also Gaël Fickou, promoted 'captain' of the defense by Shaun Edwards.

The center of the French Stadium, the player most kicking off on the French side, extinguished the English at the start of the match, reassuring his teammates by his insurance, both offensively and defensively.

The 30-year-old "veteran" Bernard Le Roux also shone, with twenty tackles, allowing the French to regain defensive solidity. The scrum half Antoine Dupont also played his role. At barely 23, the Toulousain delivered an XXL performance and turned into a savior for his tackle on Willi Heinez (78th). As usual. And Galthié has won his bets.

Winger Vincent Rattez had to start the game on the bench. The injury of Clermontois Damian Penaud at the last moment, during the training of the captain, propelled him titular. A big challenge, taken up by the La Rochelle player, with a try (5th) and a "decisive pass" for his captain Ollivon (19th).

- The pupil Galthié dominates the master Jones -

Better still, the English, usually so sure of themselves, stammered their rugby. The defeat in the final of the World Cup, 32-12 in front of South Africa, does not seem really digested. No more than the Saracens affair which affects seven of the 23 Englishmen.

The talented Owen Farrell seemed overwhelmed, with two balloons lost in the first half hour. George Ford, usually so regular on foot, this time foiled, his too long balls offering as much ammunition to the Blues who did not ask for so much. The neophyte George Furbank did not take the shock at the back, unlike his French counterpart Anthony Bouthier, sober and efficient for his premiere. Identically, the beginner pillar of the Blues, Mohamed Haouas, also had a successful start.

The exit of the Manu Tuilagi blaster after 16 minutes does not explain everything. No more than the absence of Billy Vunipola, the incumbent N.8 who broke his arm in the European Cup a few weeks before the Crunch.

The Blues have passed their first test, even if everything was not perfect: the French touch was not as dominant as it should have been, the scrum dropped off at the end of the match, the Romain Ntamack's footwork was sometimes hesitant and Jonny May highlighted Teddy Thomas' defensive problems, especially on the second English test (67th).

Despite everything, this successful performance allows Galthié to avoid an entry defeat, like his predecessor Jacques Brunel, dominated 24-19 by Wales for his first as coach two years ago.

Galthié thus imitates Guy Noves (23-21 victory against Italy in 2016), Philippe Saint-André (30-12 victory against Italy in 2012) and Marc Lièvremont (27-6 victory against Scotland in 2007). This is not necessarily an indication of the future of the XV of France. But, after such a result, the Blues can see life in pink.

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