France’s new-look side signalled their title-winning intent with an impressive 24-17 win over England in Round 1 of the Guinness Six Nations, and Player of the Match Gregory Alldritt epitomised a breathless display from Fabien Galthié’s men with a dominant showing in the back row.
The 22-year-old – son of a Scottish father and a French mother – was a dominant force throughout the 80 minutes in Paris, with his carrying, ability over the ball and relentless tackling all boosting the hosts’ hopes of claiming the Championship trophy for the first time in ten years.
Converted tries from Vincent Rattez and captain Charles Ollivon, plus a Romain Ntamack penalty, gave France a healthy 17-0 advantage at the break, which was stretched after the restart by Ollivon’s second.
Jonny May’s impressive double raised concerns of an English comeback, but the influence of new addition Shaun Edwards to the French backroom staff was evident as the home side defended resolutely, with Alldritt standing out in among a host of strong French performances.
The La Rochelle star made 25 metres with 11 carries of the ball, while he was also among the top of the ranks for tackles made (18), with a 100 per cent success rate.
Alldritt also won one key turnover on the French line as he helped combat the inevitable England onslaught, but having come through among the toughest battles already in this year’s Championship, he is confident of further success at home to Italy in Round 2.
“You could’ve picked anyone from the squad to be named Player of the Match,†he said. “Everyone deserved it.
“We said we wouldn’t give up and we had all of the ingredients today. We were confident and we knew our rugby.
“We knew there would be a response from England, but we were able to manage it and that has given us a lot of belief going forward now.â€
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Source: 6 Nations