He chose his words to describe the performance of his men. Victorious (35-22) against Italy, the French team scored five tries but conceded three. So when it comes to taking stock of this improved success against Italy, which places the Blues at the top of the Six Nations Tournament, Fabien Galthié, his captain Charles Ollivon and manager Raphaël Ibanez want to retain the victory, while recognizing " a less consistent second half ”.
Are we wrong or you don't seem as satisfied as that at the end of the match?
RAPHAËL IBANEZ. Since taking office, we have been in a process of sincerity and truth. It's the same with the content of the match. We feel that we are building and moving forward. Looking coldly at things is a very good start to the tournament. All of this must give us the confidence to progress and move forward while being aware of the points for improvement.
FABIEN GALTHIÉ. It is difficult to take stock after two games. These are two victories. Our goal is to win the games. We are satisfied, but we are at seven training sessions and two games. We have information and material to develop our potential.
To what do you attribute the high number of penalties (10) conceded by your players?
FG We were more punished than against England. At the start of the game, we won meters and balloons by making them move back. Subsequently, we were less consistent in letting them enter the defensive curtain and you then get caught on the offside lines.
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How to explain the contrast between the first and the second period?
CHARLES OLLIVON. The second was a little more complex than the first. We were not the most precise in conquest, but despite all that we were able to find ourselves and refocus. There are times when we got a little lost on the ground, but we want to remember the positive even if there are points of improvement. It is a victory and should not be overused. We have the bonus, but at some point we should have pushed the knife a little more. The Italians did a good game. We weren't perfect. It is not bad either, as there will be some questioning before going to Cardiff.
FG The first period is almost perfect but we make two management errors in the foot occupation. We had made such mistakes against England but we had recovered. The second is less consistent and the team was jostled by the Italians.