A successful entry. For its debut in the women’s 6 nations tournament, the XV of France dominated Italy this Sunday in Grenoble (39-6). A success to be confirmed next week in Toulouse against Ireland.
The French had clearly displayed their ambitions in this tournament. Just over six months from the World Cup in New Zealand (October 8-November 12), they are aiming for their first Grand Slam since 2018, as the Blues did before them.
But if they have overcome a catchy and disciplined Italian team, they will have to raise their level of play. Because all has not been perfect for Gaëlle Hermet’s clumsy teammates. Despite two attempts (5and26and), they were heckled in the first period, especially in touch, and unable to put their game in place.
They finally found the solutions when they returned from the locker room, by scoring three tries as important as they were opportunistic in the last twenty minutes (60and75and79and) to clinch the attacking bonus point that could prove decisive in the fight with England.
The English, defending champions and big favorites, who easily dominated Scotland the day before (57-5). For their part, the Welsh had dominated Ireland (27-19). The Habs to do the same against the XV of Clover, next Saturday, in Toulouse, to reaffirm their ambitions.