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How did the short week of preparation for this Crunch go?
Grégory Alldritt:
In terms of everyone's commitment, it was quite similar to the week before Wales.
It was a very short week after a tough match.
We especially favored recovery and our strategy to be ready.
we had training on Wednesday and this captain's coach (from Friday) to make the final adjustments.
I think the team has recovered well and they will be ready on Saturday.
What does this Crunch represent?
In rugby terms, it's a match a bit like any other.
But there is all this excitement around.
We know that for all our supporters, for the French, he is our best enemy.
They love this match, that makes it special for us too.
What did you think of the English's last matches, especially the one against the Irish?
The English had a very good run at the World Cup.
Some will say they had an easier draw, but it's never easy to finish third in a World Cup.
You have to be rigorous and resilient throughout the competition.
So congratulations to them for that.
Then, in the Tournament, they had good and bad, like us.
But they proved last week that they could compete and gradually return to the level at which we know them.
We have been warned, we know that it will be a very competitive match.
They have a very good conquest, experienced players up front, notably Majo Itoje, Jamie George, Dan Cole... They also have players who are very hungry, like their third line, (Ellis) Genge or (Marcus) Smith.
We have been warned, it will be a very competitive match.
Gregory Alldritt (right) and Louis Bielle Biarrey ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP
Your last victory in France dates back to the big success against Italy in Lyon during the World Cup. Is it important to win back quickly in front of your supporters?
Of course !
We want to win abroad but also in France.
As I said recently, we didn't always offer our supporters what we wanted.
Saturday we have a chance to do it.
It won't be easy but we are determined and we want to put out a great performance to make them proud.
We know that this is the end of the Tournament and that we will only see the French XV again this summer.
This last match will determine
France's
ranking .
What are the issues ?
The objective, for us, is first and foremost to win.
Some will play this summer but others will not play again until November.
You never know what can happen, you have to enjoy every moment when you put on this jersey.
We have to play for our supporters and our families, it's important that they are proud of us.
Then there is the ranking.
A potential first place, a second place, we don't really think about it.
Although it is important to stay well ranked.
Also read: Six nations: the French XV can still finish first if…
Jamie George explained that for the English you are the main danger. In your opinion, what is the main danger on the opposing side?
To be honest, I don't like targeting one player over another.
This is often the biggest mistake to make.
For me, their biggest danger is their defense, they have proven that they have a very aggressive defense, which comes up very hard.
They have talent at all levels, whether on the first or second line, Ben Earl (number 8) is on fire at the moment.
Focusing on one player is not a good idea.
Will they be revengeful after their heavy defeat last year?
I don't know if they're going to play on that.
But they must have it in the back of their minds.
Now we know that it is not the same England team.
They had a no-game last year.
We are not going into this match saying that we are one step ahead, far from it.
We know that if we put in the right amount of aggression, that if we have fast rucks, we can perform.
We focus on that.
Once again, France will rely on a pack of massive forwards...
Our objective is to use our powerful players.
We have a heavy pack.
As I had in Cardiff, if you have a team like that, it's not to run in all directions.
At some point you have to make contact.
We know that there will be a big defense up front, much tougher than that of the Welsh.
These are going to be key moments.
We placed the emphasis on our conquest, we must continue, but, in this area, the English are at a higher level than the Welsh.
Is it exciting to play a match with so much at stake?
Yes, there is a lot of excitement within the group.
An international match in France is always an exceptional moment.
Facing a team determined to come and win here, it becomes even more exciting.
And the fact that it’s the English adds a little flavor.
We can not wait to be there.