The arrow of time, so dear to Fabien Galthié, is approaching its target.
A little over three years - in January 2020 - that the coach took control of the XV of France.
And he is preparing to lead his 35th match at the head of the Blues this Saturday (3:45 p.m., France 2) against Wales at the end of the Six Nations Tournament.
The last official before the World Cup in France.
There will be four "friendly" meetings in August (twice Scotland, Australia and Fiji), but they will have no other stakes than to refine the preparation for planetary competition and reduce to 33 units the group of 42 players (unveiled on June 21) selected for the two months of summer training.
To discover
Calendar and results 6 Nations
Ranking Tournament 6 of Nations
Over the seasons, Fabien Galthié and his staff have tested their method, stirred up the applicants (79 players selected at least once, including 45 newcomers), and put the XV of France back at the top of world rugby (at the 2nd place, behind Ireland).
The consequence before this last performance against the XV du Leek, of a sparkling record of 27 victories for only 7 defeats (two against Australia, England and Scotland; one, a month ago, against the Ireland, 32-19).
A risk of overconfidence
The demonstration of strength and talent, last week at Twickenham against England (53-10), struck the spirits.
These Blues are among the big favorites for the world title, in six months at home.
They are once again making their supporters dream, now impatient to be on September 8 for the explosive opening match at the Stade de France against the All Blacks.
A strong expectation that delights Fabien Galthié.
“
That's what we wanted.
Win matches, then win titles – for the moment in the singular
(the 2022 Grand Slam) –
and once again become a world nation that matters.
That's what we did…
”
Read alsoXV of France: behind the scenes of a day of glory at Twickenham
To close this cycle of redemption, a new controlled, successful, spectacular success is hoped against the Welsh.
The coach wants it.
Almost requires it.
“The Twickenham game gave us a lot of satisfaction.
But we could also see many points of improvement.
Unpretentious, this match lets us think that we can play even better.
Worrying for Welsh entangled in the crisis, between cut wages and threats of strike, change of coach - for a reminder of Warren Gatland, who had orchestrated the great hours from 2007 to 2019 - and aging team.
Gatland has not set high ambitions for this trip.
“To be able to be in the fight until the end.
We owe it to ourselves…”
the New Zealand technician would be satisfied.
It must be said that winning at the Stade de France is like an impossible mission.
Since Fabien Galthié took office, the XV of France has only lost once at home.
It was in March 2020 against Scotland (23-27).
Watch out for the risk of overconfidence
It is, paradoxically, this rediscovered excellence which represents the greatest danger for the Blues who are now expected and admired.
The coach and his staff must pay particular attention to the risk of overconfidence, to the pitfall of culpable release.
The typical team for the World Cup is taking shape more and more clearly, and some players could feel settled.
“
The word “installed” is interesting, the word “comfort” too
, recognizes Galthié.
In the chaos of matches, having certainties can help.
But, at the same time, in the emulation to come and get this jersey, it can create, it's true, a kind of unconscious pause: “we're going to do a little less”.
Our 14-game winning streak may have lost our fire a little bit.
We have to keep this fire going.
It's a challenge, when you're in a dominant position...
"
Read alsoSix nations: "It's a perfect day at Twickenham and it's very rare", savors Fabien Galthié
With this in mind, he did not fail to thank the Irish.
By ending, a month ago, this series which had lasted for a year and a half, Sexton and his partners put a saving slap to the Habs.
Pride was piqued.
The feeling of invulnerability faded.
“
Fortunately, we met the best team in the world.
It has given us a lot
.”
There is no irony in Galthié's observation.
The defeat in Dublin had the merit of remobilizing the troops.
Invaluable in the prospect of a reunion with Ireland, possibly as soon as the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The alert has been heard.
The players have promised to do the job thoroughly until the end.
"
We must not relax, do not fall into the trap of the easy match after a big performance
," insisted full-back Thomas Ramos.
“
We are not going to get drunk
, promised Laurent Labit, the attack coach.
Players and staff, we were not satisfied with our performances during the first three days.
We were all at fault and we were keen to have a great game at Twickenham.
We stay focused to maintain our level.
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