We know from experience that historically the French have been pretty up and down on the international stage and, for a French national team to come into a run of consistency like this one did from 2019 to 2023, you would be surprised if what got them there suddenly disappeared.
It’s also notable that France now face their most vulnerable opponents over the next three rounds. They start against Italy in Lille this afternoon, then face Wales in Cardiff, and finish the tournament against England in Lyon.
We saw a marked improvement in France’s defence and discipline as soon as Shaun Edwards joined Fabien Galthie’s coaching team in 2019. However, it seems that because France have not hit top form straightaway in this Six Nations some of the French media are looking for scapegoats, with Edwards in the firing line.
Despite achieving a Grand Slam in 2022, and narrow second-place Six Nations finishes in 2020, 2021, and 2023, there has been a focus on the statistic that France have conceded three or more tries on six occasions since the start of 2023 – even though they won three of those matches.
The implication is that the impact Edwards brought as defence coach in the build-up to the 2023 World Cup has not been maintained, and maybe after four years his message is becoming a little stale.
The evidence of what Edwards has done to improve the French defence out of sight is there in black and white in the record books. So, when people say that sometimes international teams can have too much of hearing the same coaching voices saying the same things, my answer would be why is it coaches who are pinpointed, rather than players who might be lacking energy, or fitness, or not listening?
This story is from the February 25, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 25, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
