France coach claims World Rugby ‘tolerating’ Ireland’s ‘dangerous’ breakdown tactics while ‘Bomb Squad’ future is discussed
Ireland players in a huddle before France game and Antoine Dupont going off injured.
France have revealed that they received feedback from World Rugby following their controversial clash against Ireland in the Six Nations last weekend.
While there was no debate about the result, with the French comprehensive winners, Les Bleus were unhappy with the hosts’ ruck tactics on Saturday.
It led to a serious injury for Les Bleus talisman Antoine Dupont, who could be out for the rest of 2025 after rupturing his ACL.
Dupont suffered the injury in the first half of the 42-27 triumph after Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne fell on his leg at the breakdown.
No action despite Fabien Galthie’s anger
The match officials took no action at the time, insisting that it was an accident, but Fabien Galthie cried foul and cited Beirne and fellow front five forward Andrew Porter after the match.
However, the citing commissioner decided not to pursue the matter and both players will be available for the final round of the Six Nations.
According to coach William Servat, France have since been in contact with World Rugby over not just that incident but seemingly Ireland’s general approach to the contact area, but it looks like they got a short shrift.
“Rucks are played in a north-south direction, and last Saturday, it turned into a bit of an east-west battle,” he said.
“The defender, when entering the collision zone, often lets himself slide to the side, and this behaviour can be dangerous for players’ joints.
“We noted it, we reported it, but World Rugby told us that they tolerated it, that it was the rule… I can’t tell you any more.”
Future of the 7-1
Dupont’s injury, combined with a HIA for Pierre-Louis Barassi later on – an incident which saw Calvin Nash sin-binned – put the 7-1 split to the test.
Back-rower Oscar Jegou did a superb job in the backline, however, as France expertly used the forward-heavy bench.
Servat admits that it is not a guarantee France will continue with the tactic, though, as they discuss whether the reward outweighs the risk.
“Who can say that Oscar Jegou is not capable of playing in the backline? Who could have prevented Mathieu Bastareaud or Levani Botia from successfully transitioning to the back-row in the past?” he said.
“This versatility in the French squad allows us today to prepare for all eventualities. If someone arrives and has never really followed rugby, they can very well consider that Jegou has always played centre.
“It is therefore difficult to categorise French internationals into a few positions. The 7-1 was effective and discussions are underway to determine whether the experiment will continue or not.”
Title decider
France’s attention has now turned to their final clash of the tournament against Scotland, a match which will ultimately decide who claims the trophy.
A win of any kind will be enough given their vastly superior points difference but a defeat or draw will likely see either England or Ireland take the title.
Both teams are heavy favourites for their respective encounters against Wales and Italy, which take place ahead of Les Bleus’ game at the Stade de France.
“We haven’t won anything yet. We’re just in a position to win something. It would be such a shame to be satisfied with what we did in Ireland last week,” Servat added.
“We, the staff, don’t need to make a big deal out of it this week. The players are extremely professional, experienced and ready to play in this final. We’re not going to burden them any further.”
