As the dust settles on another unforgettable Six Nations Championship, we present our State of the Nations analysis, focusing on Fabien Galthie's French squad. Despite finishing in second place, France's performance in the tournament seemed to fall short of their potential. There were moments when they embodied the negative stereotypes of their own rugby, leaving fans questioning if they would even bother showing up to play. Nonetheless, as they recovered from their post-World Cup hangover, France improved throughout the competition, with a thrilling victory over England in Lyon highlighting their progress.

Over the course of the tournament, France played five matches, winning three, losing one, and drawing one. This inconsistency plagued Les Bleus, particularly in their struggles against Ireland and Italy. While they displayed attacking prowess, there were concerns regarding their lack of control at half-back and their defensive vulnerabilities. Despite a rocky start, France began to gel as a team, with new players making their mark and contributing to the squad's development.

One standout player for France was Francois Cros, whose performances in Cardiff and Lyon stood out.

Additionally, Damian Penaud's impact with ball in hand was crucial for the team. The introduction of Nolann Le Garrec at scrum-half provided a much-needed boost to France's tactical approach, symbolizing their improvement over the course of the tournament.

However, France's season was not without its challenges. Their slow start against Ireland set the tone for a series of disappointing performances in the first three rounds.

The team struggled to find consistency and faced setbacks due to injuries and disciplinary issues. Moving forward, France will need to address their defensive frailties and work on building a more formidable team structure.

In summary, France's 2024 Six Nations campaign showcased their potential and attacking flair but also highlighted areas for improvement. While they showed promise in certain matches, their overall performance was marked by inconsistency and defensive lapses. As they prepare for their summer tour to Argentina, France will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses to become a more competitive force in international rugby.