PARIS, 16 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – France stormed to their second Six Nations title under Fabien Galthié with a dominant victory over Scotland on Saturday. However, Les Bleus now face a formidable challenge as they prepare for a highly anticipated summer tour of New Zealand.
Galthié’s squad is set to play three Tests against the All Blacks in July, but there remains uncertainty over player availability. The French Rugby Federation and the country’s professional clubs announced last August that no players participating in the Top 14 final on 28 June will be included in the touring squad.
Currently, defending champions Toulouse, featuring star fly-half Romain Ntamack, lead the Top 14 standings, while Bordeaux-Bègles, renowned for their exciting backline, sit in second place.
One confirmed absence for the tour is Ntamack’s half-back partner, Antoine Dupont, who has been sidelined for more than six months with a serious knee injury.
“I’m not sure what’s possible regarding those playing in the final and the tour,” Ntamack said following France’s 35-16 triumph over Scotland.
“It’s my dream to play in New Zealand, so if I’m fortunate enough to be selected, even if my club reaches the final, it would be a great pleasure,” the 25-year-old added.
New Zealand Rugby is reportedly frustrated by the prospect of hosting a French side that could be significantly weakened. Matches between France and the All Blacks have long been iconic encounters, particularly in Rugby World Cups. However, France have managed to secure victory on New Zealand soil only four times since their inaugural tour in 1961.
“Maybe an exception should be made for this tour because playing in New Zealand is a rare and special opportunity,” Ntamack suggested.
“Final or no final, if I get the chance to go, it will be a privilege because tours of New Zealand are unique,” he added.
Building on Six Nations Success
Despite the disappointment of their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit to South Africa, Galthié’s tenure has been marked by significant progress. France began the 2024 Six Nations campaign with a resounding victory over Ireland and showed further development throughout this year’s competition.
“I believe the team has improved since 2023. Many aspects have evolved,” Galthié said.
“The players have come through 2023 and 2024, which included a tough Six Nations, yet we still managed to finish second,” he noted.
Since Galthié took charge in late 2019, summer tours have often featured second or even third-choice squads. Last year’s South American tour was heavily disrupted, while the 2021 series in Australia saw players from France’s second division gaining Test experience.
“We have no updates on selections for now. I’ll leave that to the coaching staff,” said full-back Thomas Ramos, who plays alongside Ntamack for club and country.
“Perhaps some players will travel, while others won’t. We have fewer certainties compared to previous years,” he admitted.
Ramos, 29, ended this year’s Six Nations as France’s all-time leading points scorer, surpassing Frédéric Michalak’s record of 436 points.
“It was the icing on the cake to break Fred’s record,” said Ramos, whose 20-point haul against Scotland took his tally to 450.
“It’s a proud moment to surpass a player I admired as a child,” he added.
“But I don’t want to stop here. We’re all competitors, and while individual accolades are nice, my priority will always be winning titles for the team.”
Context & Related Information:
- France’s last victory over New Zealand on their own turf came in 2009, highlighting the challenge ahead for Les Bleus.
- The Top 14 final’s scheduling just a week before the New Zealand tour makes it difficult for key players to be available, a long-standing issue in French rugby.
- Antoine Dupont’s absence is a major setback, given his influence as one of the world’s best scrum-halves.
- Thomas Ramos’ record-breaking feat further cements his place as one of France’s most reliable kickers.
