-A.M.
Friday, December 6, 2024
Sunday, November 17, 2024
2024 Northern Tour: Sunday 17 November France 30 - 29 New Zealand, Stade de France
Je vous souhaite la Re-bienvenue Antoine Dupont. Le Stade aussi. Vous avez entendu les spectateurs?
Les Bleus were typically French, great under pressure and stress, they really came into their own firing in the second half. Speedy, unpredictable. My French contact wondered if the All Blacks would trample them but I never had a doubt in my mind we would win.
We got the first try which can be important. And we scored last too. When you grow up French and/or in the French culture, faut savoir gérer le stress. The All Blacks can become undisciplined. It's also French to seize opportunities. My Kiwi contact who will always back the All Blacks said they're consistent*, I think, as in they don't adapt.
Of course not only do les Bleus have arguably the best rugby player on Earth as their Captain but personally he has a lot of motivation: the Rugby World Cup 2023 was stolen from France and it was their time, this was his second game for his country since winning Gold representing France at the Olympics, so he's fresh, possibly impatient and his passion is replenished.
Historically, France's winning streak has been unbroken since 2018 against the All Blacks and this match was essentially a repeat of 8th September 2023 and the opening match of the Cup.
3 wins in a row for the All Blacks? Non non non. And to be honest, England and Ireland aren't even at the same table as the All Blacks. The All Blacks pulled up a chair for les Bleus, they sat down, both stretched out their hands and shook them and game on. I think, if you keep up to date with it, New Zealand now go down a spot in World rankings and France remain 4th.
I don't have to experience what the loss for France feels like. The All Blacks supporters have the rest of Sunday and the week to go through it.
Watching the anthems and especially the haka on YouTube after the match, the loss of one point difference must have really hurt the All Blacks.
Sure, New Zealand had to wear their alternate jersey but really? That design. You're not the All Whites, that's a different sport.
Go stick it the All Blacks.
-A.M.
* I may correct this later
Saturday, November 16, 2024
2024 Northern Tour: Sunday 17 November France - New Zealand, Stade de France
Allez les Bleus. Welcome back Antoine Dupont. So to speak. One of the best if not the best rugby union player of his generation and the planet. In le Stade de France. Just over 81 000 capacity, likely most of the spectators rooting for France. The atmosphere was once described as "hostile" by someone from the Kiwi side, no recollection of who, if memory serves me right.
The last time France and New Zealand faced each other was 8 September 2023, the first match of the Rugby World Cup which saw France dominate the All Blacks 27-13.
To me, France are the first real opponent who actually is at their level of the Northern Tour, it's a battle. Really, England and we don't even need to mention Ireland, they don't get a look in. Then Italy?
In general, France and South Africa are worthy opponents, always have been and probably always will be. Physically, mentally, they can meet the All Blacks.
One example, the Rugby Championship (2024): Saturday 31st August South Africa 31-27 New Zealand, Johannesburg and Saturday 7th September South Africa 18-12 New Zealand, Cape Town.
If you take into account rankings, the latest men's rankings dated 11 November: the Springboks, the All Blacks and les Bleus. Or the sexy Bleus, the legendary All Blacks, and the stealing Springboks. Always at the top.
As I've said before, All Blacks are my love but for some reason, I want les Bleus to win. Maybe it's pain from the Cup 2023 which was stolen from them. Dupont could still be in that fresh, impatient phase this being his second game representing France since the Olympics this year. They could stop the All Blacks in their tracks with a loss and beat them a second time on their home turf. Consecutive years.
Now I think back to it, Antoine Dupont was hurt by France's loss, very hurt, and angry, and if he can transform his emotions into a win on the pitch then there's nothing bad about that. But he'll always carry that pain from the Cup which they so deserved.
I wonder how I'll feel if France lose and the All Blacks win?
I'm behind you Antoine, beat the Black out of the All Blacks, at home, fresh from the Cup 2023 opening match and against New Zealand and the Olympics 2024 which France won. You have the brains, the body, and on top of that that sexy class no other team has.
The Northern Tour so far:
Saturday 2 November, England 22-24 New Zealand, Twickenham
Saturday 9 November, Ireland 13-23 New Zealand, Dublin
Sunday 17 November, France - New Zealand, Stade de France
Sunday 24 November, Italy - New Zealand, Turin
-A.M.
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