2023-09-11 21:57:38
The XV of France is definitely pursued by the heat. That of the scorching sun which hits Fabien Galthié’s team almost in every training session since the start of its preparation for “his” World Cup, in Monaco, Capbreton or, again this Monday, in Rueil-Malmaison (Hauts-de-Seine ). But also by the warmth of an audience that continues to ignite for them. This Monday, for the first training in public since the inaugural feat against the All Blacks (27-13), there were still 3000, the maximum number, to encourage Dupont and his gang, during their session at the Parc stadium.
3,000 enthusiastic fans who had reserved their free tickets more than 15 days ago, all leaving within 20 minutes on the City of Rueil website. “We clicked in time, savors Olivier on the edge of the field. We had been waiting to see them for a few days, they are at the hotel, right next to us, but we had not seen them yet. »
“We were already at the Bois de Préau (the park where 10,000 people came to welcome the XV of France in Rueil on September 2, Editor’s note), corrects Emmanuelle, at his side. It’s really nice, the city does a lot of things for the inhabitants to benefit from it. Now we don’t let them go! Olivier and Emmanuelle will leave delighted with a selfie with Damian Penaud, one of their favorites from this team that they adore.
“The impression of seeing friends playing together”
The XV of France is unanimous, even more so since their triumph against New Zealand. “We even wonder what can prevent them from winning the title…, adds Olivier. We feel such cohesion. They are good guys, they are strong, it feels like seeing friends playing together. »
At the end of an intense session in the heat, with the hopes of Stade Français as sparring partners, the Blues played their rugby, with on one side the probable starters of the next match against Uruguay, and on the other the he backbone of the typical team, the Dupont, Penaud, Ramos or Alldritt, probably left to rest on Thursday.
Behind the goal at the back of the field, the children of Rueil-Malmaison schools are far from these considerations about the composition of the team. “They don’t really know the players, admits Arnaud, their CM2 teacher. They have quite a big football culture here, but they are starting to really take an interest in rugby. We have done workshops around it since the start of the school year, small games. They are proud to have the French team next to them”.
It is besides the toddlers under their hat who throw the most noisy “go the blues! “, while the 30 degrees that hit Rueil stunned the public a little. Who is all the more admiring of these Blues launched into their World Cup, and who respond with availability to the requests of this small crowd hunting for autographs.
Captain Antoine Dupont, cap on his head, wins again by applause. “He really impresses me, blows Olivier. He is so in demand, and he always responds. How is it possible to keep such a cool head? “. Thursday in Lille for its match against Uruguay, the XV of France will finally lose a few degrees. But will still have an appointment with the heat, that of the people of the North.
#dont #France #fusion #public #RueilMalmaison