France’s triumphant Six Nations campaign has sent a clear message to the rugby world: Les Bleus are firmly on the heels of reigning world champions South Africa. With a dominant game plan, an electrifying squad, and record-breaking performances, Fabien Galthie’s side has positioned itself as a true force in international rugby. Their sights are now set on a challenging three-test series in New Zealand—a proving ground where history has often been unkind to them.
A Championship Won in Style
France clinched their second Six Nations title under Galthie’s tenure after dismantling Scotland in Paris. Their path to glory was not without its hurdles; an early thrashing of Wales set the tone, but a narrow one-point loss to England in round two briefly put their campaign on edge. However, the French bounced back in emphatic fashion, trouncing Italy and securing a crucial victory over defending champions Ireland in Dublin—an encounter Galthie hailed as the most significant of his six-year tenure.
“This game in Ireland was, I feel, the stand-out match from the past six years,” said Galthie. “They were on to a Grand Slam, we were on our journey, everything was possible.”
A staggering 30 tries were scored by Les Bleus in the competition—an all-time record. Winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey stood out with eight tries in five games, while full-back Thomas Ramos rewrote history by surpassing Frederic Michalak as France’s all-time leading points scorer. Ramos’ precise goal-kicking and the team’s unrelenting attacking strategy propelled them to a title that was as impressive as it was inevitable.
Despite the absence of their talismanic scrum-half Antoine Dupont, sidelined with a serious knee injury, France’s depth shone through. Maxime Lucu seamlessly stepped into the playmaker role, while No. 8 Gregory Alldritt captained the side with composure and power.
“We’ll still work hard to win, not just leave our mark on history, but leave our mark on ourselves,” Alldritt said. “We have a long-term vision as players.”
South African Blueprint, French Flair
A key element in France’s success was their strategic use of the “Bomb Squad” tactic pioneered by South Africa—stacking the substitutes’ bench with an overwhelming majority of forwards. Galthie’s decision to name seven forwards among the replacements provided his team with relentless physicality up front while maintaining the fluid attacking style synonymous with French rugby.
The parallels between France and South Africa are now impossible to ignore. France will host the Springboks in November, an opportunity for redemption following their heartbreaking quarterfinal loss to the double world champions in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With momentum on their side and a squad teeming with world-class talent, Les Bleus will be eager to prove that they can go toe-to-toe with the best.
A Daunting Tour of New Zealand
As France basks in the glory of their Six Nations success, an even greater challenge awaits: a three-test series against the All Blacks in July. However, the tour is already clouded by uncertainty. The French Rugby Federation and the country’s professional clubs have ruled that players involved in the Top 14 final on June 28 will not travel to New Zealand. This means that key figures such as Romain Ntamack, if his club Toulouse reaches the final, may be absent from the squad.
“I don’t know what’s exactly possible or not, if those in the final are allowed to go to New Zealand,” Ntamack admitted. “It’s my dream to play there, so if I’m lucky enough to go, even if the club are in the final, it will obviously be a pleasure.”
France has historically struggled against the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, winning only four times since their first tour in 1961. Despite this, the significance of the series cannot be overstated. Even if Galthie opts to rest key players, the tour presents a golden opportunity for emerging talents to stake their claim on the international stage.
“Maybe there’s an exception to be done with the tour because it’s quite exceptional to go and play in New Zealand,” Ntamack added. “Final or no final, if I go, it will be a pleasure because tours of New Zealand are unique.”
The Road Ahead: A Stacked Year for Les Bleus
Beyond the New Zealand tour, France has a packed schedule leading into 2025. The November internationals will see them host three games, including their much-anticipated clash against the Springboks. Two years out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, these high-stakes encounters will shape the next phase of Galthie’s project.
While individual records, such as Ramos surpassing Michalak’s 436-point tally, add personal milestones to the success story, the overarching focus remains on team triumphs. “It was the icing on the cake to beat Fred’s record,” Ramos admitted. “But my priority will always be to win titles for the team.”
For now, France can revel in their Six Nations glory. But with New Zealand and South Africa looming on the horizon, Les Bleus know their journey to the pinnacle of world rugby is far from over.
