The viewers' award

Since 1988, Société Générale has organised the Talent d'Or Société Générale man of the match award at each French international game.

For novices who are not glued to matches on their TV, Talent d'Or Société Générale is a man of the match award for the best player in a match involving the French team. The prize is based on an individual’s talent, courage and performance. Votes are totted up over the full 80 minutes, and viewers can win tickets for France’s next matches in a draw.

France beat Italy 46-20
On Sunday March 14, the French rugby team cruised to a comfortable victory over the Italians during the penultimate round of Six Nations matches. Following their win, the French are top of table with 8 points, with Ireland second on 6.

Clément Poitrenaud voted Talent d’Or (Man of the Match)
The Toulouse full-back had a great game against the Italians. According to the player, much more than because of his performance, the match was won thanks to the team’s collective strategy. From the very first minutes of the match, the French dominated in every aspect of the game. To beat the Squadra Azzurra, the French players produced plenty of play and gave the match rhythm. The French coach admitted that the Italians weren’t as strong as in their first three games, and by half-time, France were up 22 to 3, enough to give the French players confidence without causing them to sit back.

France closing in on the Grand Slam
So just one more hurdle stands between the French and a Grand Slam: the match against England in Paris on Saturday evening. After losing at home to the Irish and being held to a draw in Scotland, the English cannot win the Tournament. However, they will no doubt try to salvage some pride by stopping the French winning the Grand Slam!

The previous Talents d’Or Societe Generale winners:
- Imanol Harinordoquy (Wales V France)
- François Trinh-Duc (France V Ireland)
- Mathieu Bastareaud (Scotland V France)