30 years ago, Rosie Vela sang a lovely song with some nonsense words in it, and everyone was confused...
Nowadays, of course, we all realize that she was archly predicting the rise to power of the new Head Coach of French Rugby, Guy Novès. Two matches played in this year's Six Nations; two wins. After several seasons of seeming more disorganized than a mummification ritual in a Bontempi factory, France might just be back.
Or not. That's France, of course. In truth, they were horribly unconvincing in scraping past Italy, and lucky to face an Ireland side ultimately eviscerated by injuries. Winning becomes a habit, though, or so we're told.
That's good, then, because Wales have won this fixture four times in a row now and conceded just one try in the process. Brice Dulin's score in Paris last year remains the only one scored by a Frenchman against Wales in 400 minutes of trying.1 The selection of the trusted Lydiate/Warburton/Faletau back row suggests that Wales' efforts will be focused on maintaining such intransigence.
The worry is that the French shackles may finally be off for real. It's proven a groundless worry before, in all honesty. But it's still there. We've been dying to see you, Baby. Just, perhaps not tonight, okay..? Merci!
1 They didn't get one in the RWC11 semi, either. Had to get that one in!
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