France’s confidence fragile before match with U.S.

FUKUOKA, Japan — France is not about to start talking up its Rugby World Cup chances just because it beat Argentina, and the players are in a modest frame of mind heading into the match against the United States on Wednesday.

Victory in Fukuoka will keep France on track for one of the top two spots in Pool C, but the Tricolors have been so inconsistent in recent years that their confidence remains fragile.

“We’re not one to say that, against such and such a team, we’re going to take an attacking bonus point,” flyhalf Camille Lopez said.

Lopez’s dropped goal sealed a dramatic 23-21 victory against 2015 semifinalist Argentina in a game many commentators picked France to lose. In that match, France showed glimpses of its old flair to lead 20-3 at halftime, but then a familiar pattern unfolded as nerves took over.

“We finished the match giving 14 fouls away and, by miracle, we won,” Lopez said. “Normally you lose when you make so many mistakes. It went our way. Good for us.”

Lopez is one of 12 changes to the French starting lineup that will take on a U.S. team that lost its opening game to England 45-7.

While France traditionally favors a running style of rugby, and should feel fairly confident of scoring tries against the U.S., Lopez sees the match as an essential opportunity to develop a kicking game that France has neglected in the past.

“(Tactical kicking) is becoming more and more important,” said Lopez . “The English did it to us during the (Six Nations) tournament. It’s their bread and butter. I’m convinced you need to able to do everything well, and a kicking game is an important weapon to have.”

Even though France has swapped out its entire lineup, the U.S. forwards are the ones under more pressure to perform. U.S. defensive coach Jacque Fourie was dismayed at times by the poor tackling and lack of communication against England.

“There’s a big beast lying ahead of us, and that’s France,” said Fourie, a versatile back who played for South Africa and won the 2007 World Cup. “We need to mentally and physically be ready for that challenge. I don’t think we can get any worse.”

France’s backs have looked better since Fabien Galthie — a former standout scrumhalf — joined Brunel’s staff. Fitness levels and creativity have both improved in the four matches involving Galthie.

“They’ve certainly, over the last two months or so since he’s been there, changed their style of play a little bit,” said U.S. coach Gary Gold. “We’re going to have our work cut out.”