"It is 120 years since England first played France in the game of rugby union football, the fixture that came to be known as Le Crunch. Just six weeks or so ago, according to common wisdom, this anniversary match looked to be perfectly positioned to host a Grand Slam decider; a tie of apposite stature to mark the occasion."
"France have underperformed. The talent at the disposal of Fabien Galthie buckled when Scotland applied the first real test, and it became very apparent that they are not coached well enough."
"The problem is that other teams—Italy, Ireland and Scotland; nations that couldn't give one for such matters—took great delight in splintering the received narrative; and so we find ourselves with a contest of diminished reward of outcome, but not of context and interest."
France and England compete in a historic Le Crunch fixture marking 120 years since their first rugby union match. Originally positioned as a potential Grand Slam decider, the match now carries diminished stakes after Italy, Ireland, and Scotland disrupted expectations. France has underperformed throughout the tournament, with their talent failing to withstand Scotland's test, revealing coaching deficiencies under Fabien Galthie. Despite reduced outcome rewards, the contest retains significant context and interest. Both teams field competitive lineups, with France featuring Thomas Ramos and Antoine Dupont, while England counters with Elliot Daly and Ben Earl. The special edition pale blue France shirt, commemorating the anniversary, has already sold out.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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