An omnipresent Michael Hooper, Couilloud’s class, but also Bouthier’s expensive forward… Discover the tops and flops of the third and last test match between the XV of France and Australia, won by the Wallabies this Saturday in Brisbane (33-30).
Tops
Michael Hooper as a centerpiece
Unbreakable. Emblematic captain of Australia, the third row and captain worked again during this final test. Aligned for the third time in three matches, he weighed all his weight on this meeting, being the source of McDermott’s first try (11th) and many scratchings. He hurt the XV of France.
Baptiste Couilloud very fit
Aligned alongside a novice at the hinge in the person of Antoine Hastoy, Baptiste Couilloud delivered a high quality match. Author of a first authoritative essay (8th), he is also directly at the origin of the third, a real gem, entered by his Lyon teammate Pierre-Louis Barassi (47th). Very good at animation, he was one of the most noticed Blues. We can also cite his opposite Tate McDermott, 22, also very prominent in Brisbane (a test).
Australian power
Jostled during the first two tests, Australia knew they were expected in this last decisive match. But the Wallabies have responded. Harsh in the fight, Noah Lolesio’s teammates delivered a quality performance, relying on their solidarity to build their success. Even at 14 against 15, 75 minutes during, Australia will not have flinched. An important victory, which will undoubtedly bring together a reborn group on the eve of the next World Cup.
Flops
A step forward with heavy consequences
It is sometimes the facts of the game that define the outcome of a meeting. Came into play instead of Antoine Hastoy, Anthony Bouthier made a rather interesting entry into the game, illustrated by his kicking game (69th). But it is his awkwardness that we will remember, the Montpellier rear committing an avoidable forward receiving a too long candle from Banks (76th). Small error for big consequences: in difficulty in melee throughout the game, the XV of France conceded a penalty three minutes from the end. A penalty that will offer victory to the Wallabies. Infuriating.
The Blues at fault
If the XV of France lost during this final test match against Australia, it is largely because of its lack of discipline. Jostled especially during the second act, the Blues have suffered too much, spending a large part of their time in their half of the field. Weaned from balls, Anthony Jelonch’s teammates then multiplied the faults in defense, conceding 9 in the second period (5 in the first). Triple the faults made by Australia in the last 40 minutes. An indiscipline sanctioned by the boot of Lolesio at the end of the match. We will also note a scrum in torture, a big black spot in the French performance in Brisbane.
An end of the game on the kneecaps
It was a safe bet that the XV of France would suffer physically during this Australian tour. After a trying season (thirty matches played by the majority of players), the Blues knew that the hellish pace imposed by this series of matches would be difficult to follow. Despite the 41 players selected by Fabien Galthié, only 32 of them participated in at least one of the three matches. Unsurprisingly, the Blues struggled to finish this third game, drawing on their ultimate reserves. Without success.
.
