Axel May, edited by Manon Fossat 09:31, March 19, 2022

The XV of France has the opportunity to reconnect with its glorious history this Saturday when a victory against England, which has done little for it in the last two seasons, would give it its tenth Grand Slam, the first title of the Fabien Galthié era.

The kick-off will be given at 9 p.m. at the Stade de France.

The XV of France will try, this Saturday evening at 9 p.m. at the Stade de France against England, to achieve the tenth Grand Slam in its history in the 6 Nations Tournament, the fourth since the enlargement to six nations with the entry of Italy in 2000. The Blues, who won their first four games of the 6 Nations Tournament, are only one victory away from this title which has been fleeing them for 12 years.

The English, meanwhile, suffered two defeats in the Tournament this year and have nothing more to hope for from this competition, except to spoil the party.

Englishmen "harsh and formidable"

For the third-line Grégory Alldritt, it is indeed necessary to be wary of the wounded beast.

"It can almost be worse for us. They come without ambition of a final victory but if we reversed the situation, we would be the first to want to deprive them of a Grand Slam at Twickenham. So the motivation for them is all there."

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And the manager of the XV of France, Raphaël Ibañez, himself passed through English rugby, shares the same feeling.

"I had the opportunity as a player to live in the heart of English rugby for six years and what is certain is that there is no lack of motivation for them. All the matches are important and that's what makes them strong, tough and fearsome," he said.

"Don't Get Overwhelmed"

The Blues are therefore warned, the English are not there to make up the numbers.

But for the captain of the team, Antoine Dupont, the challenge is also to take advantage of the moment.

"I think we are aware of what is at stake in the match, but this is our third Tournament together and we train and prepare every day to be able to live these moments. So you have to know how to take advantage of it, be aware of where you are and what you are capable of doing without being overwhelmed by everything that may be around."

This "Crunch" does indeed look crispy.