French stars sport new Nike Mercurial Vapor IXs
Outside back Yoann Huget is one of the first international players to turn out in the sunset colourway of Nike’s new Mercurial Vapor IXs, although the striking boots have done little to help his French side as they slumped to their second loss from as many appearances in the Six Nations on the weekend.
Utilising a unique two-piece glass-fibre soleplate the Vapor IX was designed with explosive speed in mind. With the foot locked in place by the boot’s sturdy upper and the highly advanced soleplate enhancing flexibility and responsiveness players are able to accelerate dynamically and change direction without sacrificing top-end speed.
An innovative stud configuration combining twin studs at the rear with moulded blades at the front increases grip on natural surfaces, while the textured upper creates friction between boot and ball, enhancing a kickers accuracy and power.
Following defeat at the hands of the Italians in the opening round the French were looking to bounce back on the weekend when they hosted the Welsh, but a dour game which produced just one five-pointer, a late try to Welsh winger George North, saw the French slump to the bottom of the table with their second successive defeat.