2023-09-24 18:51:25
This long weekend that was supposed to be a rest was ultimately not that much. If the French the rest of the World Cup. There was no shortage of things to think about for the Blues before heading to the Renaissance Hotel in Aix-en-Provence this Sunday evening.
First with the Antoine Dupont soap opera. Will come back, won’t come back? Seriously injured in the jaw, operated on Friday evening in Toulouse, the French captain could finally be back on his feet in 3 or 4 weeks. The questions about the future of their leader and friend, between anxieties and then hopes, undoubtedly agitated the minds of all.
Then, on the probable opponent of the XV of France in the quarter-finals. The huge shock of Pool B on Saturday at the Stade de France, between South Africa, reigning world champion, and Ireland, world number one, was closely followed by the team and staff. And he kept all his promises, which delighted the public but gave the Blues fans a cold sweat.
The power of the Springboks, a concern for the staff
Beaten (13-8), the Springboks have a good chance of finishing second, and therefore of facing Fabien Galthié’s men in the quarters, if they retain their first place by beating Italy on October 6 during their last group match.
A France-South Africa shock from the quarter-finals, therefore. It is this final before the letter which looms on October 15 at the Stade de France. Not necessarily good news for the Blues. In any case, the members of the French staff did not jump to the ceiling after the South African defeat. There were around ten of them following the meeting together, in their hotel in Aix-en-Provence where most remained. And the memory of the last France-South Africa match, on November 12, 2022 in Marseille, resurfaced.
Beyond the victory (30-26), the Blues had accumulated injuries (Danty, Flament, Baille) and Antoine Dupont received a red card. Fabien Galthié’s players had ended up chewed and the state of the bodies the next day at breakfast was not a pretty sight. If victory is again possible against the South Africans in this possible quarter-final, it is the match after – and the potential new injuries – which may cause concern. Even if the adversity in the semi-final looks on paper less tough with a less dense opposing part of the draw.
Players “not surprised more than that” by Ireland-South Africa
The Ireland-South Africa match of course also interested the players, but to varying degrees. Without worrying them though. Most had left Aix and followed him home, with friends or family. Some cut off to take advantage of their loved ones and only followed it with one eye, or looked at it afterwards.
The Varois of the gang, including Gabin Villière, RC Toulon player, Melvyn Jaminet, from the area as well as Gaël Fickou, for example followed him together in an establishment of the family of the three-quarter center of Racing 92. “They were not surprised by the intensity of this close match, says a relative of one of the players. They expected it. They know they can beat them.”
To do this, it will be necessary to ensure qualification for the quarterfinals with a final group match, against Italy in Lyon on October 6. An opponent not to be taken lightly. The Blues have two weeks to prepare. It will be without Antoine Dupont, who remained in Toulouse for his convalescence, and who should join his teammates in Aix in a week. To return to the field for this daunting quarter-final?
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