The women’s XV of France celebrated its reunion with the French public with fanfare, by outclassing Scotland (55-0) on Sunday in Vannes, and remains undefeated at the end of this 3rd day of the Six Nations Tournament. After a sluggish start in Italy (22-12) and a show of force in Ireland (53-3), Les Bleues again showed a very attractive face at the Rabine stadium in Vannes, which was sold out (12,000 spectators ) for the occasion.
Next Sunday afternoon, the French will play again at home, this time in Grenoble, against the Welsh, 3rd in the standings but who fell heavily on Saturday against England (59-3). A victory for Les Bleues will be imperative before challenging an impressive English team, for a possible highly anticipated final on April 29 at Twickenham.
spring sun
Under a spring sun, the French, third at the last World Cup in New Zealand in December, started well with a first try signed by scrum half Pauline Bourdon, author of a good race after a recovery from Mélissande Llorens. Like the men’s thistle team, the Scots moved play and held the ball, but ran into a well-placed French defense.
The French, who sometimes abused the game at the foot of occupation, nevertheless scored two new tries in the first half by Llorens and Boulard and were already well ahead at the break (17-0). Back from the locker room, the French were quick to secure the offensive bonus point with a new try scored by the back Emilie Boulard after a good attack (22-0, 47th).
Physically superior
Vastly superior physically and technically, the French women chained the tries against the completely overwhelmed Scots, and the score swelled thanks also to the contribution of a solid bench.
The Stade de la Rabine, delighted with the spectacle offered and which had already had the opportunity to vibrate for the women’s XV of France (against South Africa), exulted after each test and sang several “Marseillaise”. In total, the French women scored nine tries, several of which were excellent, against a Scottish team a level below.