The Blues would have to make at least four tries and win more than 20 points against Scotland on Friday to win the tournament of six countries. Problem: XV du Chardon has been resting since last year on the best defense in Europe.
The Piss could still happily whistle in the pubs of Glasgow and Edinburgh without masks or barrier gestures, the last time the Scots bowled with such a difference.
This was in September 2019. The coronovirus had yet to cover the world and Gregor Townsend’s players, who were corrected 27–3 by Ireland, completely disappeared their entry into the World Cup.
From the group stage, they came out without glory a few weeks later, scoring four more tries against host country Japan (28-21).
Failure to originate a major overhaul of the Scottish framework. Townsend survived, but he has since surrounded himself with new faces, including the bald head of Welsh technician Steve Tandy.
The latter came to light when he was debarred by the Scottish Federation from a season in Super Rugby in late 2019, after serving long on the Osprey’s bench as defense coach of the Warriors’ Australian franchise. . in Wales.
Its influence was immediate in Scotland. Relying exclusively on the dazzling offenses of Finn Russell or Stuart Hogg in previous years, Shardon’s XV has gained some spice in defense from the 2020 tournament: he has only scored 59 points and scored five tries in five matches. Of which the highest rate has been successful. (92.5%).
– “defensive work” –
“It is only a matter of faith,” he replied last fall to clarify this metamorphosis. “There are some very good defenders in this team. All you had to do was gain some confidence, change the mindset and realize how important it is. “
The figures are flattering again this year. Scotland has the best defense of the 2021 tournament so far, scoring 68 points and winning four matches in seven games (76 points and seven tries for France).
According to former Irish Rona O’Gara, Thistle’s XV forked a historic victory in England (11-6) on the first day to end the historic victory.
“Salute to Steve Tandy”, then tweeted to La Rochelle’s coach. “I would like to know when England scored just six points at Twickenham.”
This had not happened for over a decade, and even though the Scots saw the Welsh four times the following week at Marefield (loss 25–24), they refer to this “relapse” as a red card, costing dearly. The end of the match.
France’s XV had twice a chance to appreciate its defensive progress since the World Cup: during their only loss (28–17) in the tournament last year, then to a victory in the Autumn Nations Cup (22–15 ) Puncture solo attempt, from Virmi Vakatwa.
Former second-line Fabian Pelles, who played at a time when the Scots were still bravely lacking, admits in an interview with AFP that the Blues have “such a technical and personal quality” that they managed to score at least four this time. Honge tries.
“Now, to manage not to take it for a 20-point difference, I’m sure short.”
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