The first weekend of the 2023 Rugby World Cup is in the books, and one of the biggest stories was hosts France getting over the line on a dramatic opening night against the might of the All Blacks.
Despite conceding a try within the first two minutes to New Zealand, France fought back with impressive style to decisively win by 14 points, handing the All Blacks their first ever defeat in a Rugby World Cup pool stage, as well as their heaviest ever defeat in this tournament.
With Italy, Uruguay, and Namibia making up the rest of the group, France will now feel assured in their charge to finish top and march on to a quarter-final in their home World Cup, and the manner of their victory over New Zealand would certainly seem to justify their position as one of the favourites to go all the way.
Fabien Galthié's side have not only been one of the most successful sides in world rugby in recent years, but one of the most entertaining to watch - and Irish pundit Bernard Jackman has earned praise for his pinpoint analysis on one crucial element of their potent attack.
READ HERE: South Africa Coach Reveals Munster Origins Of Odd Rugby World Cup Tactic
France: Bernard Jackman earns praise for tactical insight on French attack
Speaking on RTÉ's coverage of the Rugby World Cup, Bernard Jackman broke down one crucial change France have made in the four years since the last World Cup in Japan in 2019.
Jackman pointed out how France had changed their approach in big games off the back of defeats to South Africa and Ireland ahead of the arrival of Fabien Galthié as head coach, and that they had noticed the speed with which both the Irish and Springbok sides ceded possession if an attack looked set to be unsuccessful.
The segment of coverage boiled down to France's ruthlessness in kicking the ball if an attack did not appear likely to produce a try after roughly 20 seconds of possession, and Jackman pointed out how this allowed the French attack to reset and surge in waves - a tactic they utilised brilliantly on the opening night of the Rugby World Cup.
‘They kick twice as much and pass half as much’ – @bernardjackman takes a closer look at Frances’s data-driven strategy that helped defeat New Zealand #AgainstTheHead #RteRugby #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/nCHvitqxs2
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 12, 2023
READ HERE: Johnny Sexton's Gesture During The Anthems Showed His Captain's Smarts
It was fantastic sporting television and former Ireland international Jackman has rightly been handed plaudits for his excellent breakdown of a crucial element of the potent French attack.
Ex-Scotland lock 'Big Jim' Hamilton shared a snippet of Jackman's analysis to Twitter and said, "Amazing insight from Bernard Jackman. Up to date. Insightful and doing the hardest bit, delivering it on tv live without msising a beat. One of the very best pundits in the world."
Amazing insight from @bernardjackman
Up to date. Insightful and doing the hardest bit, delivering it on tv live without, missing a beat. One of the very best pundits in the world. @RTEsport pic.twitter.com/hK4ZlHqF6V— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) September 12, 2023
Hamilton's comments were retweeted by former Leinster prop Mike Ross, as well as several Irish rugby writers, and Will Owen - one half of the legendary Squidge Rugby.
Bernard Jackman is not the first pundit from Irish TV to impress during the opening stages of the Rugby World Cup. Alun Wyn Jones' debut on Virgin Media's coverage of Wales v Fiji saw the Lions captain make intriguing and thoughtful comments on the contentious performance of referee Matthew Carley.
If you're a rugby fan, it seems the best place to watch this World Cup on TV is in Ireland, thanks to the exceptional punditry on show thus far.
SEE ALSO: Former Wales Star Criticises Dan Biggar For Outburst At Teammate In Rugby World Cup
