A Year On: Has the XV of France Found Its Footing After the Argentine Nightmare?
Paris, France – One year ago, the French national rugby team, the XV of France, embarked on a summer tour to Argentina that would become etched in their recent history as a profoundly disappointing and, frankly, nightmarish experience. Two heavy defeats at the hands of Los Pumas exposed significant vulnerabilities and cast a shadow over the team’s aspirations. Today, France Info reflects on that difficult period and examines what has changed for the XV of France in the intervening twelve months.
The tour of Argentina in July 2024 was a stark reality check for a French side that had, prior to that, shown promising signs of resurgence. The losses were not just on the scoreboard; they highlighted issues with execution, discipline, and a perceived lack of cohesion within the squad. The pressure on head coach Fabien Galthié and his staff was palpable, and the questions surrounding the team’s direction were immediate and pointed.
However, the landscape of international rugby is a constantly shifting one, and a year can be a significant period for a team to regroup, learn, and evolve. Since that difficult summer, the XV of France has indeed undergone a period of introspection and, crucially, rebuilding.
One of the most significant developments has been the continued integration and emergence of new talent. While the core of the squad remains, Galthié and his coaching team have actively sought to blood younger players and provide them with valuable international experience. This approach, while sometimes leading to initial growing pains, is crucial for long-term success and the creation of a deeper, more robust squad capable of handling the rigors of modern international rugby.
Furthermore, the team has demonstrably worked on addressing the specific areas of weakness identified during the Argentine tour. Tactical adjustments have been made, with a renewed emphasis on set-piece dominance and a more consistent defensive structure. The ability to control territory and apply pressure through the forwards has been a key focus, aiming to provide a more stable platform for their potent backline.
The Six Nations Championship, which followed the difficult tour, offered a glimpse of this progress. While not without its challenges, France showcased moments of brilliance and a greater resilience than seen previously. Victories were hard-fought, and the team demonstrated an improved ability to close out games, a trait that was arguably lacking in Argentina.
The upcoming fixtures and tournaments will be the true test of how far the XV of France has come. The memory of that Argentine tour serves as a potent reminder of the level of competition at the highest echelon of the sport. However, the progress observed in the past year suggests that the lessons have been learned, and the team is now on a more stable footing. The focus remains on continued development, consistent performance, and building upon the foundations laid in the wake of that challenging summer. The XV of France is undoubtedly a work in progress, but the trajectory since the Argentine nightmare appears to be one of positive evolution.
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France Info published ‘Rugby : un an après la tournée d’été cauchemardesque en Argentine, qu’est-ce qui a changé pour le XV de France ?’ at 2025-07-04 05:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.