The XV of France offers itself the 2022 edition of the Six Nations Tournament thanks to its final victory against England, Saturday March 19 at the Stade de France (25-13). The Blues are finally on the top step again with five wins in as many matches. This is their first title and their first Grand Slam since 2010.
After years in the hard, including a last place in 2013, the France of rugby finally finds the light. Second in 2020 on the difference of points, again second in 2021, the Blues finish this time winners of the 2022 edition of the Six Nations Tournament. 12 years after their last coronation, they are once again getting their hands on this trophy they coveted so much.
After Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales (defending champion), there remained France’s best opponent to defeat on Saturday: England of course. The famous “Crunch” for the ultimate meeting, at the Stade de France; difficult to find a better framework to designate the best nation of this 128th tournament.
We know how tough this competition is, how long the public has been waiting for this. And U.S. too. So now let’s enjoy. There, we think back to all the sacrifices, all that we have endured for weeks, years… We suffer to be able to live moments like that, emotions like that.
Antoine Dupont, captain of the France team, on France Télévisions
Fickou and Cros launch the Blues well
Before kick-off in the Dionysian enclosure, the men of coach Fabien Galthié had no choice: they had to beat England at all costs, because earlier on Saturday, Ireland had seized the first place thanks to its bonus victory against Scotland. It is with this objective in mind and in a good atmosphere that the two teams began to cross swords on the lawn.
In front of their audience, the Blues got off to the best start, and after a first penalty from Melvyn Jaminet, Gaël Fickou scored the first try of the game at the end of the line in the corner (15th). Just before the break, François Cros reached out and flattened on the line in turn (40th). With the transformation, the French team was racing in the lead 18-6 at the halfway point.
The release signed Dupont
Upset by this first act, the XV de la Rose returned to the field invigorated and found the fault in turn. Freddie Steward spun on trial (48th) and Marcus Smith, impeccable in his kicking game, brought England to five points (18-13). The French had to unite in defense to contain the English rebellion for a few minutes.
Finally, Antoine Dupont, alias “Monsieur the Minister of the Interior”, arose to restore calm in the blue house. The scrum half, named Best Player in the World last year, benefited from the good work of Grégory Alldritt and Mohamed Haouas to slip away on trial between the posts (61st). From then on, there was “only” to lock the defense and annihilate the last English salvos.
The XV of France is therefore the big winner of this Six Nations Tournament. This is the 10th time in its history that it has won with the bonus of the Grand Slam (all matches won). At 18 months from the next World Cup, scheduled in France, the Blues send a strong sign.
This victory and this grand slam are also hard to believe for the team coach, who praised the work “without commitment or concession” of the players.
They have been great. Not since today, but it has been two and a half years that the work has been carried out with passion, commitment and without concession. This allowed us to come and snatch the victory this evening and to conclude this tournament with a grand slam. I still can’t realize.
Fabien Galthié, coach of the France team, on France Télévisions