Who is left then to prevent this Grand Slam that the Blues have not completed since 2010? Wales in Cardiff on March 11, then England in Saint-Denis on March 19. When we see what these two teams have offered since the start of the Tournament, and given the level of the players of Fabien Galthié, thundering winners of Scotland in Edinburgh (36-17), we would be almost tempted to write that the outcome is beyond doubt.
Saturday, moreover, the English have painfully beaten the Welsh (23-19) at Twickenham two hours after the fireworks of the Blues at Murrayfield. Painful for everyone indeed, the players and the public in the stands or behind their television screen, as the two teams proved to be sluggish and friable.
Nothing surprising in the end after the first sad performances in the competition. The XV of the Rose was beaten by Scotland (20-17), itself dominated by the same score by Wales, in other words that all these beautiful people are worth it. The Welsh were also crushed by the Irish (29-7) and the English were not flamboyant against the Italians (33-0). In short, the results reflect the impressions and if Captain Dupont and his teammates maintain their rhythm, they seem to be sheltered from unpleasant surprises.
The British press urges him and is full of praise for the Blues. “Ruthless” for the BBC, “brilliant” for the Guardian, “dominant” for the Daily Record… The French team is hailed by all the media across the Channel. “Is this the best team in the world? asks even the Guardian. “Maybe not yet,” concludes the daily. But after this game, it will rise to third place in the standings, the best team in the North. And more importantly, she remains in the running for a Grand Slam. Who holds out his arms to her.
