The days of old have long passed by, like water passing under the bridge, when winding up the French XV before THE CRUNCH, it was easy game before, but today the England v France at Twickenham has taken on a whole new meaning. We still have the words of war from both coaches and players, but most are now of a defensive nature instead of the attack at all costs as in years gone by. One of the big changes in recent years is the very fact that large numbers of English players are earning their living in France, and are enjoying the very life style that they were always told to hate, but finding it difficult to use the word hate or even dislike many are living their personal dreams. In today’s modern rugby the International ex pats are often lining up against their French team mates with whom they play their rugby week in week out, difficult task wearing the old head set
The arrogant, Gitane smoking, frog leg eating, front row player is of days gone by, as now the front rows are multi national and the same wind up words are like water of a ducks back. Your average French front forward is now a master technician capable of holding up a scrum just as easily as collapsing the very same, and is now a muscular gladiator which any gym would be proud to call their own, the words that were often offered, no longer can seek the red mist of old.
The war however does continue, sparked by the media and the very concerned, but those who never get their hands dirty or their bodies bruised, the players are there to do their job and wind ups have long been put to bed. Winning is their only war of words.
Saturday afternoon at 18.00 both teams will line up to do combat justice, England at the moment hailed as the running rugby team with the champagne style, but still steady up front.
The French however out of sorts but still winning, the million dollar question which French team will turn up? The hard running backs, and the ball winning muscular forwards or the XV with a somewhat creaky defence, lets hope for the former!!!
Whatever, the suspense and waiting will soon be over and the West London Temple will be full to the rafters from both sides of the Channel and hopefully a game to remember, the only thing left to say Gentlemen is…… ALLEZ LES BLEUS !!!!!!!!
Steve Whittell.
