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In rugby, France is really something else, with Argentina and Italy

But objectively, although not having won the RWC, France had more success than these 2 latin nations and I think French rugby players, coaches and club owners probably feel entitled to be respected. And respect comes by integrating with language.

I don’t have any stats, but I can imagine all foreign players who became legends all learned French to some extent.

And this is what could make the difference between a player that contributed to great successes (Bakkies) and the one who also tried to get closer to the club and country culture (Wilkinson) at RCT.

I do not know how it was going for international coaches in Italy or in Argentina for instance, but there’s probably an element of showing that you take into consideration the expertise and history of a club/country. And if you’re just a guy who feels entitled while simply coming with his own ideas without adapting to the context, French rugby level and Top14’s aura (and chauvinism I guess?) will not help you get adhesion from players and achieve success.

I do not really think it’s an issue of understanding each other with all possible nuances, because if we don’t get the idea, we could always ask for precisions.

It just seems to be differences in perception, linked to social or cultural factors.

I’ll feel way closer intellectually speaking with a guy that shares my ideas while coming from NZ than with a French guy that sees reality with a different lens. And as much as I’ll want to, I won’t be able to communicate with that guy although we share all the linguistic nuances.

Then again there is a proud celtic history around the North West of England so you never know.

Results driven to outcome focussed, and still completely wrong!

I thought Itoje played ok, the lineout struggled without him. From a leadership perspective it seemed he was lacking.

I actually wasn’t disappointed with the French series

Shaun Edwards defence was outstanding (despite the fact we were finding the man frequently and not space)

So they were great opponents

They have many players who could slot in to the top French team

Some who have played many times like Fickou and Villiere

We also rotated a lot and tried many players

Yes maybe that’s not the right phrase, was trying to say outcome focused rather than on like process or delivery.

Anyway the ABs attack has not fired

Easy to read

I say that but also overall many chances were created against the French

Three disallowed tries and three held ups if I recall