France targets statement win over England in Six Nations decider
France is preparing for a challenging Six Nations final against England, the reigning world champions. Head coach François Ratier emphasized the team's determination to prove their critics wrong despite being seen as underdogs. With a strong defensive record, France aims to leverage their strengths to compete effectively in the match.
- ▪France will face England in the Six Nations final on May 17.
- ▪Head coach François Ratier acknowledged the challenge of facing the world champions.
- ▪France has the best defense in the tournament, conceding only 49 points so far.
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France's Anaïs Grando during the Women's Six Nations match between France and Wales in Cardiff, April 18, 2026. JOHN SIBLEY / ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS Looking ahead to the Six Nations final on Sunday, May 17, against England, François Ratier did not play down the challenge his players faced. "It's the world champions against the fourth place team: it's Rocky III. Everyone expects us to get thrashed, but we'll try to prove them wrong," said the new head coach of the French team after their win over Scotland on May 9. How can the French stop the Red Roses, undefeated in the tournament since 2019 and with seven Grand Slams to their name? That's the challenge Pauline Bourdon Sansus and her teammates must solve on Sunday, at Bordeaux's Stade Atlantique.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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