Ibanez says France will get stronger
France destroyed Australia and South Africa in the autumn with an impressive brand of attacking rugby that was missing for most of the Six Nations.
In the final shake-up, it required a late flash of brilliance from mercurial fly-half Frederic Michalak to secure France the ill-deserved 21-16 win over Wales that clinched the title.
But the French are developing an experienced squad - not dissimilar to England’s successful approach at the last World Cup - because they have the required mental fortitude.
Ibanez, the Wasps hooker, is one of them at 33 and he said: “If you want to win something you should have to produce more than we have done - but in the end we have finished first. It is good for the team and especially the team spirit.
“We had highs and lows during the Six Nations. Sometimes we struggled to find a rhythm and tempo in our play. Against Wales on Saturday that was certainly the case. We didn’t start well, struggled for most of the game and I can understand Wales felt disappointed.
“Maybe a few years ago we wouldn’t have won that game so it is great we have the team spirit, that we fight our corner and battle to stay in the game.
“Even playing like that we won he Six Nations, so it is good for us.”
France, the pre-tournament favourites after their eye-catching November victories, opened the campaign with a shock defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.
That was followed by a scatter-brained performance against Ireland, when they stormed into a 43-3 lead before eventually holding on to win 43-31.
It took France an hour to subdue Italy and they still did not hit top gear against England despite posting a record-equalling 31-6 victory.
In Cardiff they were hit by a Welsh side which had finally rediscovered its zest after a turbulent season marked by injuries and Mike Ruddock’s controversial departure.
A superb try from Hal Luscombe and eight points from the boot of fly-half Stephen Jones earned Wales a deserved 13-6 half-time lead.
France came out stronger after the interval and although Dimitri Szarzewski burrowed over in the corner Wales retained their lead until the 72nd minute.
That was when Michalak, targeted as a soft touch by most teams during the tournament, chipped the ball over the Welsh defence for Florian Fritz to touch down.
Michalak said: “That win was an important boost. We started the Championship on a bad note but we still won the tournament, so mentally it has done us good.”
It was not a classic championship triumph for France but team manager Jo Maso believes his men are on the right track for World Cup glory.
“We have won 13 of the last 15 matches over three years in the Six Nations (since the last World Cup). We are undefeated in France in seven matches since November. We have also got the record number of points since 2000 in the Six Nations. This team is going to go a long way,” said Maso.
“I am very proud of this team.”
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