Sometimes, I'm proud to be french…
What a match. Possibly not spectacular, but what intensity and drama. I loved the way that the French faced the haka : standing close to the Abs, dressed in blue, white and red. Not a provocation, just our participation in this ceremonial : « we exist too », proud of our colors. Also loved the face of the French during this, ready for the big fight.
What a defense, what a spirit. Excellent discipline too. But a crapy first half. The game plan « all boot » wasn't very successful, but despites that Traille was good at fullback, better than the irregular Poitrenaud. Beauxis's still green, but he was solid for his young age. Dusautoir was excellent in defense, strong in attack, man on the match. Michalak… aaah Michalak, the beauty and the beast. Sometimes genius, sometimes awful. Have to admit, his run and his pass to Jauzion were pure class. Jauzion who's still one of the best centre in the world. Clerc, Elissalde were great too.
I think that the second try is valid. Traille passed to the back, but Michalak comes so quickly that its seems to be a forward pass, but I might be wrong. If it's the case, well… that's a part of the game. The NZ tries were litigious too, especially the first one. The ref was blind on two touches found by the French. And after all the NZ got 70% field occupation, won almost every touches and scrums, and didn't scored. We scored each time we was in good situation. McCallister's fault is really clear for me. Quite frankly, this is not a stolen game.
I'm a bit sad for New Zealand. I think they're still the best team of the world, but the point is you have to be the best at the best moment. The ABs don't seems to have this "culture of knockout game" like the French, I hope this will be rectified in four years
Now, we cannot lose this one. Not again, against those bloody (
![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
) English. Not again in final… this is our time ! I hope we'll meet again our Argentinians friends in final, with a litlle taste of Top14
![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)