As the saying goes, 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ...'
After seeing France implement Rassie Erasmus's 'Bomb Squad' on Friday to defuse Wales, South Africans would've been snickering at the marvel from foreign fans when Fabien Galthie put on an almost fresh forward pack in the first round of the Six Nations Championship.
Le bomb squad à la française 💥
— Six Nations (FR) (@SixNations_FR) January 31, 2025
📺 @FranceTV#FRAGAL | #SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/alYSOWzAG2
While the Les Bleus replacements were not as effective as the original 'Bomb Squad' of the double World Cup-winning Springboks, especially when the influential Antoine Dupont left the field, there is something magical when five or six forwards run onto the field at the same time.
Of course, there was praise for the French and Galthie after their Bok copy stunt. Meanwhile, the Springboks were crucified for it time and again, with pundits and former rugby bosses branding it as 'against the spirit of the game'.
France unleash their entire bench 👀🧨
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 31, 2025
📺 Stream #GuinnessM6N on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/a4GHhyFVgb
One should not expect condemnation from Europe against France, though. There's a bigger chance of Ireland winning the next World Cup than that happening.
Speaking about the Irish, judging by how the first round of matches went, it is clear that this year will again be a two-horse race for the title – between them and Galthie's men.
Ireland's systematic dismantling of England to win 27-22 on Saturday evening was the standout match of the weekend, despite France blanking Wales 43-0 in the opener. The Irish will be happy their title defence started against stronger opposition because the win solidifies their attempts at winning back-to-back-to-back Championships.
Ireland taste victory over England in Dublin 💪🇮🇪#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/fg4FwyNMSV
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 1, 2025
This year, though, France will be their final game and over the next couple of matches, they'll be able to lay a perfect foundation for that clash at the Aviva Stadium. It's tough to see them coming undone against any of the other competing sides before then.
Depending on how many bonus points they pick up until the March showdown with Les Blues, they could wrap up the title before then and I will back them to do it, as difficult as that is to write.
France's title credentials will come under intense scrutiny on Saturday against the hurting England. While the English were not poor in their opener, playing for only 53 minutes against tough opponents won't bring you trophies.
With the Springboks facing France and Ireland in November, watching these two big dogs go about their business in the tournament brings that excitement, especially to find out who the toughest test for the world champions and their Bomb Squad will be later this year.