This Crunch clash with England has been marked on the French team's calendar for a long time. They are now just 80 minutes away from going undefeated in the inaugural Women's Summer Series in Parma - the goal they've set for themselves and the one they've been repeating to themselves every day for months.
Captain Zoé Jean announced it just before leaving for Italy: “to be the first ever”. “I think that's the sentence that really defines this tournament for us. It's what drives us the most,” says France's number eight, Marie Morland (pictured above to the right of Anna De Almeida).
“We really want this victory; we want it to be the best ever. That's what the coaches tell us, and that's what we keep thinking about. It's important to show today that we're girls and that women's rugby is moving forward, that we're capable of big wins and big games. That's important for us in this first Summer Series,” adds fullback/winger Kelly Arbey.
Two teams on equal footing
However, the motivation on the other side is just as strong. Since the start of the tournament, both teams have won twice, with France accumulating 124 points to England's 88. In other words, the last Crunch, which France won 74-0 in Rouen on April 20, is now history.
“This Crunch will be nothing like the first one. They have worked hard and trained well. It will be a great match,” believes Morland. “These girls are in a crazy state of mind, they're always together, they're always on top of their game. We can't afford not to be at our best.”
“The first team we came up against was very strong physically, with a lot of physical contact. At times, we were even a little surprised by the way they played, whether it was in the scrum or in the lineout. The game was often complicated. They're a team of girls who punch above their weight and look for impact. We'll have to work hard and manage things well. There is a lot at stake for us, but also for them,” explains Arbey.
Freshness will be key
This Crunch will be the third high-intensity match in ten days under the bright Italian sun—a rate of play the U20 women have never experienced before. As a result, recovery over the last few days and maintaining freshness has been crucial for both sides.
“We've got good conditions and a good set-up around us, which makes it easier to recover and put in those big efforts. The body follows. Physically, I think the team is doing pretty well," says Arbey. "Yes, we have a few aches and pains; we never play a game without a little bit of pain, our shoulders are sore... but that's normal. There's nothing wrong."
“We've got a great chance because a lot of things have been put in place for us: a great hotel, swimming pools, cold baths, a level of equipment we really appreciate, cold towels when it's hot... We are probably the team that's in the best condition to perform in this heat,” underlines Morland. “That said, fatigue sets in, but that's how it is for everyone.”
A playful game
On Thursday 11th July, as part of their trip to Italy, the French girls were invited to visit a Parmesan cheese factory. “We had a wonderful time,” laughs Morland, while Arbey praises the hosts for “involving everyone all the time. They're lovely, they engage. It's a really crazy experience.”
A “crazy experience” that nicely sums up France's playing philosophy: both precise and entertaining, free and measured, powerful and exciting.
Kelly, who scored a hat-trick against England in April, embodies what the coaches want: French flair. “This game suits me in every way. We have the chance to take the initiative, with the forwards who go out and get us the ball, who put us in position, who make us feel comfortable, and the three-quarters who have fun at the back, trying different things - a little overhead kick, a low-lying kick, spreading the ball quickly, playing with the hands, using the speed. Of course, it's a real pleasure to play according to these guidelines.”
Morland agrees: “It's what we try to do the most. We have a game plan to follow, but whenever possible, we try to do our best to execute it. It's easier for the three-quarters, but we, the forwards, also try to adapt and do our best.”
For these two budding stars, Le Crunch on Sunday will also mark the end of their first high-level adventure with the French national team, with the declared aim of going further in the future. Their chances of doing so will be enhanced by another victory over arch-rivals England.
“Le Crunch is always a special experience,” smiles Arbey. “It's energising and every player wants to play one against an England team who are always there and always respond strongly to the game. It's a great way to improve and it's beneficial every time.”
An ideal way to finish the Women's Summer Series, then. Watch the Women's Summer Series live on the Six Nations U20 YouTube channel.
