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The reason why everyone thinks France are ready to challenge for the Six Nations

By Josh Raisey
Shaun Edwards is making a big impression in France (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

While many of the next generation of French superstars stood up in their victory over England on Sunday at the Stade de France, it was one familiar name that made the greatest impact. 

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Gregory Alldritt, 22, and Antoine Dupont, 23, were at the heart of France’s victory in a young team led by Fabien Galthie and his new coaching team, but it was defence coach Shaun Edwards who may have left the most meaningful impression on the game. 

 

In a match where England had significantly more possession, territory and carries, they found it almost impossible to penetrate a fervent French defence, making over one hundred fewer metres than their opponents. The effort had all the hallmarks of an Edwards defence, pressing hard and working tirelessly to drive England back, particularly in the first half where the Rugby World Cup finalists frequently saw themselves marched towards their own line. 

 

While Eddie Jones’ side were profligate with the few chances they had, particularly after beating the rush defence out wide, it was only two moments of individual brilliance from Jonny May that brought England success. France dominated the middle of the field throughout the 80 minutes, aided by Manu Tuilagi going off after a quarter of the match. While the powerful centre showed promise before his departure, an inspired French defence looked as though they still would have handled him. 

 

 

 

This performance is redolent of Wales’ win against England at Twickenham in 2008, which was the first match under Warren Gatland and Edwards. Wales won the Grand Slam that year, and went on to be a team defined by their resolute defence. 

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Many people in Wales will rue letting the former rugby league star leave after the RWC, as will many in England for never snapping up the defence guru when the opportunities arose. 

The victory on Sunday certainly felt like the beginning of a new era in France after a dismal decade, and Edwards’ impact is already being felt. 

Watch: Matt Cockbain interview

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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