France might have constructed their success within the 2022 Six Nations by abandoning possession and counter-punching their opponents – however their change in technique this 12 months has but to repay as their 32-19 defeat to Eire confirmed.
Les Bleus have been extra playful than final 12 months, after they achieved a grand slam, particularly in their very own half, just for Eire to choke them and benefit from each little mistake Fabien Galthie’s facet made in Saturday’s Dublin conflict.
France’s determination to attempt to take pleasure in extra possession got here after referees made it harder to grab the ball from the rucks, and whereas they have been disciplined, being penalized solely seven instances, the defending champions have been bettered in each division by the world No.1 staff .
“We performed an excessive amount of in our personal half earlier than the break,” stated Galthie after France’s 14-match successful streak ended.
“We should always have performed greater. Possibly Damian Penaud’s (first-half) strive made us suppose we’d rating a number of instances by attacking from our personal half.”
Galthie additionally rued some missed possibilities.
“It is one more reason for our defeat. Our robust moments weren’t transformed into factors, people who we missed on the finish of the sport,” he defined.
“We have been within the contest till the 71st minute and if we had scored in our moments of dominance it might have been totally different,” added Galthie, who admitted that the perfect staff had gained in Dublin.
Galthie additionally didn’t dwell on a potential TMO error after James Lowe’s strive was awarded though some video footage confirmed the Irish winger’s left foot had most likely touched the grass exterior the touchline earlier than he grounded the ball.
“It’s what it’s, let’s be honest,” he stated.
France are third earlier than they subsequent host Scotland, who like Eire have gained their first two video games in opposition to England and Wales.
They’ve two weeks to recuperate, which will likely be a lot wanted, particularly for Antoine Dupont.
“He wants some care, he was exhausted. He received a knock on his abdomen and must recuperate,” stated Galthie.
Nonetheless, Les Bleus weren’t too anxious.
“We do not like this sense but it surely would not shake the arrogance we have constructed over the previous two years,” stated flyhalf Romain Ntamack after a high-octane match.
“They might have performed like this for 2 days,” he added with a smile.
“There is no such thing as a remorse, we gave every part.”
