Le Figaro. - In three years to the day, on September 8, 2023, the XV of France will play the opening match of “his” World Cup…
Raphaël Ibañez.
-
It will happen quickly (
smile
).
You experienced that of 2007 in France. The pressure at home will be increased tenfold.
This is an element that must be effectively measured, that must be understood throughout the preparation.
And which sometimes reserves its share of surprises.
In 2007, I had the great responsibility of being the captain.
Our preparation was optimal, with convincing results… until that missed opening match (
defeat against Argentina 12-17
).
In terms of emotion, it is in no way compared to what one can imagine when you are an international player.
This is a lesson to be learned ...
Are the players already talking about this World Cup?
It's written in a corner of their head.
But, when you are a player, you are still focused on the immediacy of the performance within your club.
The priority today is for the players to express themselves on the field, to find them having fun with the ball in their hands.
They must be effective for their clubs before projecting on the France team.
"
It is certain that there will be international matches this fall
"
How do you cope with the uncertainty about the Blues' program in the coming months?
It is certain that there will be international matches this fall.
How many will there be?
Six are included in the program transmitted by World Rugby.
Against who ?
The exact timing will be defined later.
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Fabien Galthié softens his position and offers concessions to clubs
We know that relations are strained on the subject of this autumn tour which will pass from three to six tests between the FFR and the LNR. On your side, where are your relations with the Top 14 managers?
The discussion has always been open, the link never broken.
We went back to the clubs (
he was in Castres and Agen last week, will be in Clermont and Brive this week
) to reinforce our message and the managers welcome us with great kindness.
This magnificent event that will be a World Cup in France should bring optimism and hope.
We must all move towards this project, this World Cup which will be a vector of fantastic growth for all of French rugby.
Do Top 14 managers hear this message?
The situation of the XV of France is a source of questioning for all players in French rugby.
The managers of the Top 14 clubs are living the situation with as much hindsight as possible but also with stress.
With Fabien (
Galthié
) and all the staff, our priority is to discuss with them, being perfectly aware of their concerns: "
how will I be able to organize my training?
how am I going to be able to field a team?
"...
"
We want the best French team on the ground depending on the opposition and the context
"
Will you have 42 players available during this long international window?
We are currently looking to identify players likely to be selected to allow us to base our training methodology on 42 players.
Which means they won't all be from the Top 14?
We are currently studying all the options.
Including players playing in Pro D2 and for France 7?
It is one of the options studied, yes.
Without being able to officially announce it today.
"READ ALSO -
XV of France: unprecedented tournament in sight ... and friction with the clubs
Can we imagine that the selected players will not compete in the six tests, but will turn to play 4, or even 5, at most?
It's still far away.
We cannot be so radical about the choices that will be made.
We want the best team on the pitch at the moment T, the best performing XV of France at each exit depending on the opposition and the context.
Because three years in building the team is nothing ...
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