'No longer taboo, it’s our reality' - French embrace Grand Slam talk

Gregory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont and Dylan Cretin during the captain's run ahead of Saturday night's Six Nations clash with England at Stade de France. 

The words “Grand” and “Slam”, had been barred from the public lexicon of France’s Six Nations’ squad until after the win over Wales eight days ago.

Even head coach Fabien Galthie spoke of nothing more grandiose than the hope of “finishing first in the tournament” whenever he was near a live microphone before, during and after the early rounds of the 2022 Championship.