VIDEO. 6 Nations Tournament 2024: the madness of the Vélodrome, before France-Ireland find out why it is the most fantastic atmosphere for a rugby match

France-Namibia (96-0), last match for the Blues at the Vélodrome, during the 2023 World Cup. The day Antoine Dupont broke his jaw. MAXPPP – PENNANT Franck

In fifteen international matches, the Blues have only fallen twice at the Stade Vélodrome. Above all, they experienced the most beautiful atmospheres of their lives there.  

The coach Fabien Galthié confides it with relish: "I love it, I'm a fan." "These are striking atmospheres. These are incredible matches. We have chills", adds third row Charles Ollivon in Midi Olympique. 

85.71% of victories under the Marseille sun, over there, it's fire

Between the Vélodrome stadium and the French team, the love story has lasted for fifteen matches and almost a quarter of a century. An idyllic union without hitches, except for two defeats against Argentina in 2004 (14-24) and the All Blacks in 2009 (12-39). That’s a winning percentage of 85.71% under the Marseille sun. Over there, it's fire. 

All those who have had the privilege of attending one of these gems will never forget the bullfight atmosphere in the stands. The pressure and passion are extraordinary, with this Latin spirit, excessive, overflowing with fury. In short, a little summary of OM, football hints bursting into the polite world of rugby.     

Unforgettable France-Springboks of 2022

The Blues feel at home there, and the opponents feel like hell. The greatest nations have indeed fallen at the Vélodrome, where nearly 60,000 enthusiastic supporters are nestled: the English (2003, 2007), the Springboks (2002, 2022), Wallabies (2001, 2005) and even the All-Blacks ( 2000) bowed here against the XV of France.

The Blues' fifteen matches at the Marseille Vélodrome

November 18, 2000: France beats New Zealand 42-33
November 17, 2001: France beats Australia 14-13
November 9, 2002: France beats South Africa 30-10
August 30, 2003: France beats England 17-16
November 20, 2004: Argentina beats France 24-14
November 5, 2005: France beats Australia 26-16
August 18, 2007: France beats England 22-9
September 30, 2007: France beats Georgia 64-7
November 8, 2008: France beats Argentina 12-6
November 28, 2009: New Zealand beats France 39-12
November 8, 2014: France beats Fiji 40-15
February 23, 2018: France beats Italy 34-17
November 12, 2022: France beats South Africa 30-26
September 21, 2023: France beats Namibia 96-0

Who will forget the extraordinary France-South Africa of 2022, undoubtedly the craziest atmosphere ever recorded for a Blues match. Again this evening against Ireland ? France couldn't have dreamed of a better setting to begin its 6 Nations Tournament.