The return of the Red Dragons: the Welsh towards the Grand Slam against France?

Who would have believed it, a few weeks ago. Saturday, in Paris, Wales can win the 13th Grand Slam in its history. In the wake of the disappointment of the semi-final of the World Cup lost to the Boks in 2019, the men of the new coach Wayne Pivac, who succeeded the iconic Warren Gatland, had a catastrophic year 2020; the coat of arms of the XV of Leek having been badly chipped by a series of reverses. Not easy to follow in the wake of Gatland, who, during his eleven years of reign, had trusted the laurels (four victories in the Tournament) and had managed to set up a balanced and altruistic game. To the point of seeing Wales dethrone the All Blacks for a few weeks at the top of the world rankings.

Before the start of the 2021 Tournament, the Welsh remained on a defeat against the Blues in the Autumn Cup. Since the beginning of February, a new dynamic has been set up on the Cardiff side. Wayne Pivac was mainly chosen to ensure the continuity of Gatland. Patience is starting to pay off. The New Zealand technician distills a new wind, a more playful style. Still, Pivac had little choice, forced to base its selection on a declining generation. That said, the Welsh primary goal remains to appear well at the next World Cup and, if the happy 30s of the Gatland decade run out of steam, to cling to a short-term goal, the British Lions tour in the summer of 2021. In Scotland, the Welsh showed a lot of personality, then showed lucidity against the English at Murrayfield.

But the Welsh now have a new nugget, winger Louis Rees-Zammit, who deposits the oval in promised land as he breathes. Finally, George North, who has already honored his 100th selection at 28, seems younger than ever. All hopes are allowed for the Welsh in their quest for the Grand Slam.