The XV of France ended this year 2025 with a victory in the freezing cold of the Stade de France against Australia (48-33). Between the coronation of the Blues during the Six Nations Tournament, a very slightly positive win/loss ratio and cruel shortcomings on the pitch, it is difficult to see clearly.
The year 2025 of the French XV ended with a spotlight on 2027 and this World Cup in Australia. France, placed in hat 1, that of the best nations, inherited the United States, Japan and Samoa. And if she finishes first in her group, then she would face a second from another group in the round of 16 and the quarter-finals. With obviously the hope of lifting, for the first time, the Webb Ellis trophy. But before focusing on this event in two years, the Blues know they have work to do.
At the end of the year, it’s time to take stock of this calendar year. And I might as well tell you, it’s half fig, half grape. There is obviously this coronation during the Six Nations Tournament, the second under the Fabien Galthié era after 2022 (Grand Slam). And on this subject, Thomas Ramos, the back of the XV of France intends to defend his home. “We were able to have extraordinary matches, in Ireland for example. Sometimes we forget the performances we achieved with our time together. » Of course, we should not minimize this performance and that is not the point. The fact remains that if we look a little more broadly, the French selection does not have a brilliant win/loss record. It’s even the worst since the arrival of Fabien Galthié at the head of the team (55%, 6 wins, 5 losses).
Projects for 2026 and 2027
This observation therefore raises questions. Is the XV of France worrying? Some will go for yes, others for no. Because after this Six Nations Tournament won, this selection had three losses in a row against New Zealand with a remodeled squad. This fall tour also highlighted major areas of progress for the Blues. The latter certainly won two matches (Fiji (34-21) and Australia (48-33)) out of three (defeat against South Africa (17-32)), but worried at various times. If we can salute the contribution of young players within this selection and the work of three-quarters despite the absence of several elements (Mauvaka, Dupont, Cros, Moefana, Atonio), it is impossible not to note the negative points of these tests. Among them obviously, defense and indiscipline. And it is on these areas in particular that Fabien Galthié’s men will have to focus, otherwise the glass ceiling is not ready to break.
