When detailing the composition of the XV of France which will face Ireland on Saturday at the Stade de France (9 p.m., France 2), coach Fabien Galthié and manager Raphaël Ibanez also spoke of the particular context surrounding this match.
Confinement, behind closed doors, knife attack in Nice, the duo are well aware that this decisive meeting to designate the winner of the 2020 Six Nations Tournament, whose epilogue is exceptionally shifted to the fall, is part of a context that it will be necessary to take into account.
"The XV of France is anchored in reality and connected like everyone else with the events that we all live, assured Raphaël Ibanez.
We are aware of living in an ultra-secure health bubble, but that does not prevent players from being in constant contact with their loved ones and their families, assures Raphaël Ibanez.
We are no strangers to what is happening around us, with people, friends, relatives… who are preparing to suffer in the coming weeks, such as the agricultural community, traders, teachers.
It further enhances the mission of the XV of France.
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"Bring a little light, a few smiles"
Before the former hooker and captain of the France team (98 caps) evokes the status of "privileged" when amateur sport is at a standstill after the announcements of new confinement.
"For us, who have the privilege of evolving in a very high level sporting context, it is an additional mission entrusted to us: to bring a little light, a few smiles ... for a few moments in front of the television for all these people , these supporters who are preparing to suffer.
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His sidekick, coach Fabien Galthié, spoke of a “XV of France on a mission”.
“This is what will inhabit us in the hours to come, to fulfill this mission, which with the daily events, takes on even more dimension and meaning.
You have to be resilient.
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