Winners against Canada (41-18), the Blues getting better – The Équipe.fr

was expected from the XV de France quality label and, apart from a moment of hesitation between the 31st and the 35th in which teammates Thierry Dusautoir cashed shot after another two trials, he was awarded. Five trials, won offensive bonus (second only to that collected against Romania), a faultless Fred Michalak opening sequence and good game, mainly around the French opener to the best of his talent, and the wake of pénaltouches with worn ball.
Fofana and Grosso showed they were fearsome finishers, Slimani Guirado and not only dominating melee but sharp in general play. Bit of disappointment in a bizarre match, at least during the first period, which saw the French start at full speed and then completely lose track of their game, find him just before the break and then impose it from the middle of the second period.
This double air pocket could have been fatal for El Tri, who led 24-18 than in the 56th. Uncomfortably placed a converted try reach. It did not happen. After entering substitutes, the XV of France regained strength and vigor. In a reversal Bastareaud (63) straightened his race to score but was stopped on the line by three Canadian opponents. Pape, focused on a ball (67, 34-18) clinched the bonus before, reduced to fourteen (72), Canadians are overwhelmed by Rémy Grosso, first test and first selection (74th, 41-18).

The XV of France seems to go upmarket gradually. After his third game (three wins, two offensive bonus), he goes as planned and announced to what may be called an unofficial eighth finals to clinch first place in Pool D. The shock will be held Sunday, October 11th at Millennium stadium in Cardiff against Ireland. In the game, a quarterfinal against Argentina rather than the All Blacks, October 18, and always at Cardiff.

This is the percentage of success of the opener holder Frédéric Michalak in the penalty shootout on Thursday against Canada. Two goals and four conversions. No waste.

Before the meeting, the French fly-half added up 122 points in three appearances (2003, 2007, 2015). Frederic Michalak now peaks at 136, before Thierry Lacroix (124 points). Becoming the tricolor record for points scored in the World Cup. Seventh on the list, just ahead of the Scot Chris Paterson (140).