Six Nations Tournament: France dominates Ireland and affirms its ambitions

The French rugby union team beat Ireland, at the Stade de France, on February 12, 2022. REUTERS - BENOIT TESSIER

Text by: Nicolas Bamba Follow

2 mins

The shock of this start to the 2022 Six Nations Tournament turned to the advantage of the Blues, Saturday February 12, against Ireland.

The XV of France won 30-24 after a close match against the Irish.

France alone takes the lead in the standings.

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Candidate for victory after which it has been chasing for 12 years, the French team played a first final in this 128th edition of the Six Nations Tournament (the 23rd since six teams took part).

After their success against Italy on February 6, the Blues welcomed at the Stade de France, Saturday February 12, a client of a completely different caliber with Ireland.

And the shock has kept all its promises.

In front of full stands, the French lit the first fuse after only a minute of play, when Romain Ntamack found Antoine Dupont who slipped away without difficulty.

The XV of Clover was quick to react with Mack Hansen.

The rear was ruthless when sanctioning the first French hesitation (6th).

The blue wall resisted the green waves

Thanks to the penalties of Melvyn Jaminet, the XV of France reached the break with the advantage in the score (19-7) and the control of the debates.

But during the first ten minutes of the second half, Ireland raised their tone and erased almost all their delay via tries from Josh van der Flier (44th) and Jamison Gibson-Park (49th).

The green tide was rising, signing a 14-0 and bringing the score to 22-21 in favor of France.

After this complicated air hole, Fabien Galthié's men calmed things down and regained some air with the test – not transformed – by Cyril Baille (54th).

Their opponents remained in contact until the end.

The Irish threat hovered in the last two minutes, when Melvyn Jaminet's try had just been refused after video arbitration.

Nerves were strained as the suspense was total.

And the tricolor defense held firm against the last green waves.

The French team therefore has a second victory (30-24) and takes the lead in the standings with 9 points.

It is the only nation still undefeated in this Six Nations Tournament.

" 

 ," admitted Fabien Galthié at the France 2 microphone. The coach, author of effective coaching, hailed a " 

 ".

We must now build on this very good start during the next two outings.

The Blues have an appointment with Scotland on February 26 in Edinburgh, then with Wales on March 11 in Cardiff.

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