How are you in the home stretch before the game against Italy?
Anthony Bouthier:
We are preparing well.
We've been here for eight days.
We work really well the week for top Saturday.
Collectively, physically and mentally, we will be ready on Saturday because we work well every day.
We all communicate well together to be able to play a big game this weekend.
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Is there a risk of underestimating Italy, the supposedly weakest opponent in the Tournament?
No, we don't differentiate between the opponents.
We saw what happened last year.
All the points we won against Italy cost us in the end, we tied with England but on the goal average, they won.
We are focused on this match where we must not give them anything, leave them nothing.
All points count.
We work as against all other nations.
Given the complicated situation you know with Montpellier, was it easy to switch back to the France team?
It's not easy the first few days.
Afterwards, we manage to switch quickly, we are well helped by the staff.
We are also starting to get used to "switching" between club and France team.
It is not easy the first days but we quickly manage to move on to focus on this preparation for the Tournament.
“We get along well with Brice, we help each other out on the pitch. Afterwards, the coaches will make their choice for Saturday ”
In Montpellier, you play a lot at the opening. Is it a problem to then switch to the rear with the XV of France?
I don't see a problem with that.
It's another job, that's for sure, but it also helps me with placements and expectations in the field.
It's not a problem for me to play in 10, knowing that it's also because we also have a lot of injuries there (in Montpellier) that I play in this position.
But I am very happy to find the position of 15.
You started the first six matches of the Galthié era. Brice Dulin then shone this fall at the back. How do you cope with this competition?
Competition, I've always had it.
Last year there was also Thomas (Ramos).
I was lucky enough to be able to play the first six matches.
But Brice had some great matches in the fall.
The competition is healthy, we get along well, we help each other well in the field.
Afterwards, the coaches will make their choice for Saturday.
But it's already great to be able to participate in this preparation with the France team.
Whether I'm starting, replacing or outside the group, it's already great for me to be there.
“I had this injury in November, with complicated matches. But, in my head and on a physical level, I am 100% "
You experienced a state of grace in early 2020, then more complicated months. How did you experience it?
Yes, it went really well for me last year.
I arrived in Top 14 and after in the France team, where everything was going well.
There was only positive.
After, in a club, I had this injury (left knee sprain, Editor's note) in November, with complicated matches.
But, in my head and on a physical level, I am 100%.
Today, I feel good, I switched to the France team where everything is going well.
For me, there is no problem.
If I'm lined up this weekend, I'll be on top.
What do the sparring partners bring you in training sessions?
We were used to being 42 players, that requires adaptation.
They fill the gap well for other players.
They help us well to work during the week.
But it is true that it is different from our habits.
Interview by videoconference
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Program of the 1st day of the Six Nations Tournament