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RUGBY: The XV of France in search of certainties against Tonga

 

A week after an encouraging defeat to New Zealand (26-19), the Blues rechaussent spikes Saturday, November 16 to face Tonga, second appointment this tour of fall.

The XV of France, which has a catastrophic 2013 (a win and a draw in seven losses since January), has not won since March 16 and a short success against the Scotland in closing Six Nations (23-16).

To get out of this downward spiral, the team of France, which receives the Eagles sea at Le Havre for the occasion, will show a desire and a level comparable game last Saturday to win and convince . Because their opponent tonight is not objectively at the All Blacks, but still advanced to 13th in the world. Especially against teams in the top 5, they are sometimes able to find the resources to shake the hierarchy.

The last time the tricolor XV had learned the hard way, losing 19-14 in group match of the World-2011 in New Zealand. A humiliation remembers hooker Dimitri Szarzewski on the ground at the setback by the Blues in Wellington: "We remember the disappointment of fans and our too, but it's over now , we all moved on. "

Intensity

Within hours of the game, the Blues are focused primarily on the need to respond to that will likely be proposed by the Tongans physical challenge. And they know the characteristics of their opponents on the fingertips. The group of 23 Tongans selected to face France on Saturday in Le Havre, September evolve in the Top 14 or ProD2 including Sona Taumalolo (Perpignan), Opeti Fonua (Bayonne) and Viliami Ma'afu (Oyonnax).

"We know they can make the commitment, we know why it can be difficult, so it will challenge them as they challenged the All Blacks last Saturday," said Brice Dulin Castres, tenured , by coach Philippe Saint-André at the rear.

"In the rucks, they are very aggressive, I know some of the cross in the Top 14 and it's true they can go a bit much," says Rémi opener Tale 's. 

But faced with those that are often called "head-hunters" for their tackles sometimes on the edge of settlement, the Blues know they will be disciplined and serious.

"We will not go without being aggressive, the trick is to stay in the rule especially not be penalized, but we will not accept any and n ' anything "Talès analysis.

Speed ​​

The Blues, who showed an attractive face despite the defeat last Saturday, have the means to muzzle Tonga. Especially in 2013, the islanders have not always convinced. Last week, they even inclined (19-18) against the modest Romania in their opening tour.

For the occasion, Philippe Saint-Andre has decided to extend the hinge-Talès Parra, who had given satisfaction against the All Blacks. He decided to change a particular player by line to optimize the vivacity of his group. Five changes that allow such entry into the group Ouedraogo (Montpellier) and Perpignan Vahaamahina and Guitoune .

Dugout, which will celebrate its first 24 years cape, could also be a major weapon of the Blues if it confirms the excellent form at the moment. Since the beginning of the season, he scored seven tries for the USAP and tip tops the list of the Top 14 best directors.

France - Tonga, Saturday at 18h Paris time, the Océane Stadium, Le Havre.