The XV of France, started on the floor then laborious in the second period, dominated Italy (35-22), Sunday at the Stade de France, to start the Six Nations Tournament with two successes. A first since 2016.
A week after the convincing success in front of England (24-17), the Blues take at the same time the first place of the classification of the Tournament 2020, doubling Ireland, ahead of the difference in points (+20 against +17). The XV of Clover dominated Scotland (19-12) then Wales (24-14), next opponent of the French in two weeks, in Cardiff.
A first for four years
The French have entered five tries by Teddy Thomas (6th), Charles Ollivon (17th), Grégory Alldritt (38th), Romain Ntamack (58th) and Baptiste Serin (73rd), synonymous with offensive bonuses. Unlike his predecessor Jacques Brunel, who had started with two defeats (ahead of Ireland 15-13 then Scotland 32-26 in 2018), Fabien Galthié therefore launched his mandate with two successes. Like Guy Noves, Philippe Saint-André and Marc Lièvremont before him.
It is also necessary to go back to the edition of four years ago, and the first of Novès, to see the Blues start a tournament with two victories (Italy 23-21 then Ireland 10-9).
In search of "progress"
In the week following the defensive success against the English, the coach of the Blues had promised "progress", especially in the offensive animation. Wind and rain did not necessarily help the French to develop their game, starting with Romain Ntamack who missed two transformations and a penalty in the first period, thereby giving up seven points along the way.
But the main thing is elsewhere: the XV of France has had a second success, failing to have completely met the requirements of its coach.