The meeting between the XV of France and the XV of the rose has a particular name, the explanations.
England – France or France – England, it is a true classic in world rugby. Rivals for decades (centuries?), The XV of France and the XV of the Rose are clarifying again this Saturday, February 8, for the 2nd day of the 6 Nations Tournament. A meeting that is already decisive for the two teams. But why is this unique encounter traditionally called the “crunch”?
The literal translation of this term is “cracking” or “screeching” if you prefer, meaning “a decisive moment”. The exact origin of the word is quite unknown, including for rugby specialists. The exact date when the expression was used for the first time is not officially known either.
According to some lovers of the oval balloon, the term was used in 1906, on the sidelines of the first France-England (8-35), played at the Parc des Princes. For others, the expression only appeared in 1981, in the columns of the Irish Time, an Irish daily. Historians indicate that after being enemies during certain conflicts, the two nations buried the ax of war, but that this rivalry moved to the rugby terrains.