Momentum is key for Banet’s Bleues

CYRIELLE BANET is a chip off the old block. Her dad and grandfather lived and breathed rugby as young men and now she is following in the family tradition, albeit with a little more aplomb.

The 27-year wing is one of the world’s deadliest finishers, with a strike rate of 18 tries in 20 Tests. Two of that tally came in last November’s 38-13 thrashing of New Zealand in Pau, the second of which was a work of art. After a powerful drive up the left-hand touchline, France moved the ball down the back-line until