Following a 27-12 victory for France over Uruguay within the Rugby World Cup Pool A match on Thursday, right here’s our 5 takeaways from the sport in Lille.
The highest line
This was billed because the event of the underdogs with nice issues anticipated from the Pacific Islanders and different Tier Two nations, however one factor that wasn’t on the agenda was Uruguay pushing one of many event favourites, France, all the best way to the road as they did in an exciting show of good defence, dedicated breakdown work and prime quality work in assault.
Fabien Galthie is perhaps happy to have gotten a show as poor as this out of the French system however while his assault coach Laurent Labit will likely be involved on the lack of construction, dealing with talent and continuity proven by Les Bleus, his defence coach Shaun Edwards will likely be incandescent with the shambles of defence and gainline work displayed by his prices.
This was Uruguay’s finest ever efficiency towards a Tier One aspect (they’ve crushed Fiji within the Rugby World Cup earlier than) and so they can take a variety of positives from this sport – understanding they will break down the perfect defensive techniques and that they will shut out one of many world’s most potent assaults.
While France have gotten out of jail and transfer ahead unbeaten, Uruguay will likely be relishing their fixture towards Italy and will be mighty happy with their displaying in Lille.
Dream begin
Uruguay couldn’t have gotten off to a greater begin. Some great carrying work in midfield, notably by the excellent Guide Diana, noticed centre Andres Vilaseca smash into the French defensive coronary heart, to permit the good fly-half Felipe Etcheverry go cross-field to see wing Nicolas Freitas scoot over and dot down for a shock rating.
With Diana placing in an amazing shift all night time with ball in hand, the Uruguay unfastened trio has been a function of their street to Rugby World Cup 2023 and on tonight’s proof it’s clear to see why.
Vilaseca was a tower all night, main an impressive and abrasive defensive system that France actually struggles to interrupt down. They had been direct and organised, utilizing an old style 14-1 system to maintain width in midfield, and it was a mark of France’s lack of management and rugby mind that at no level did they attempt to chip or grubber by means of to interrupt down a a lot wider defensive system than is normally seen at Check degree.
Uruguay fundamentals
It appears exceptional nevertheless it’s controversial that Uruguay acquired the higher of France when it comes to breakdown accuracy and ruck work, particularly within the first half. Their back-row of Diana, Santiago Civetta, and particularly Manuel Ardao on the blindside flank confirmed nice precision and approach, driving France off the ball on a number of events, a lot to the embarrassment of the event hosts.
Their rolling maul impressed too, particularly within the 10 minutes Romain Taofifenua was off the sector for head contact. A brief lineout after some super stress down the left flank noticed the Uruguayans take France on within the rolling maul and because the maul stopped so Santiago Arata mixed brilliantly together with his pack to ship Etcheverry scooting over – however alas for the guests, exterior centre Tomas Inciarte was penalised for a block run on France’s nook defender Arthur Vincent, and a brilliantly labored attempt was chalked off on a technicality.
Not so nice was the Uruguayan set-piece – their scrum actually struggled for probably the most half to remain up and authorized, while their lineout suffered from a number of squint throws, however all in all, they are often mighty happy with their fundamentals, particularly that work at ruck time.
France underpowered
Taofifenua apart, the French again 5 within the pack is extra rockstar than rock breakers. To a person they’re good dealing with athletes however with out a ruck specialist within the form of a Ollivon or an Alldritt (or Francois Cros beginning), that man that’s exact and direct in clearing, slowing and jackalling, they regarded a bit missing in sheer presence on the breakdown. Certain Sekou Macalou had his moments of stealing and carrying however he’s a rugby maverick and a participant that merely doesn’t wish to be shackled by the graft and grind of ruck and breakdown work.
Cros got here on for half-hour to skipper the aspect and try to make sense of the mess however not even his legendary breakdown and clearing accuracy made a lot distinction. Add into the combo Pierre Bougarit can also be extra at residence operating in extensive channels and you may see why Uruguay brought on Les Bleus so many points in touch.
Solely scrum dominance – on an appalling floor that England ought to be aware of – and a stable lineout stored France within the match. The returning Anthony Jelonch and Vincent regarded wanting match sharpness though the French administration will likely be delighted they acquired by means of the sport unscathed.
Wanting ahead
France discovered rather a lot tonight – however most of it unfavorable. They discovered that their first staff is method forward of the second string gamers and that with out the rugby mind of the important thing tactical voices corresponding to Gael Fickou, Ollivon and Alldritt, that they actually lacked management.
They’ll be involved about ball retention and precision at ruck time – echoing the factors made above – and apart from Peato Mauvaka who made an enormous influence off the bench, nipping over for an important attempt, and Macalou, who did the flash stuff effectively regardless of his lack of grunt, there have been few French gamers who shone.
They appear wanting one high quality fetcher of their back-row shares, they could rue leaving the good abilities of Baptiste Serin again at Toulon, and, had Taofifenua’s card been a distinct shade (which can effectively have occurred) their lack of energy within the lock division is one other concern.
For Uruguay, this was their second within the solar. They know they’ve a tremendous back-row and midfield defence and so they’ve confirmed they will get round among the best defences on the planet. Their message will likely be to construct upon this and again it up with one other efficiency towards Italy in every week’s time.
READ MORE: France labour to victory over spectacular Uruguay as they go two from two
The article France v Uruguay: 5 takeaways from Rugby World Cup conflict as Los Teros win loads of followers appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
Disclaimer: The content material offered right here is authored by a 3rd social gathering and doesn’t essentially symbolize the views or opinions of Europa Information. The opinions expressed on this content material belong solely to the respective authors/entities, and Europa Information doesn’t endorse or assure the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the data supplied. Readers are suggested to independently confirm and validate any info and content material offered right here. Europa Information disclaims all warranties, categorical or implied, concerning this content material and any penalties which will come up from its use.
