2023-09-13 12:43:34
A leap into the unknown. Thursday evening in Lille, Uruguay will face the French XV for the first time in its history in an official match, for its entry into this Rugby World Cup. The Teros may not be favorites – and that’s an understatement – but they won’t have much to lose in this match. “The objective is to take advantage of everything,” proclaimed the captain of the 17th nation in the world Andrés Vilaseca on Tuesday at a press conference.
However, Uruguay does not arrive as an expiatory victim, in a group which also includes New Zealand, Italy and Namibia. The South American selection, present at the last two World Cups, has already scored a few hits, including a resounding success against Fiji (30-27) in 2019.
“For some time now, Uruguay has been trying more to impose its game,” said winger Nicolas Freitas, also a player for Vannes, in Pro D2. It’s more difficult at this level, but the idea remains the same: to propose things, both in defense and in attack, and not suffer. By remaining wait-and-see against France, we expose ourselves to big problems. »
“France is a physical team”
The partners of Castres scrum half Santiago Arata are expecting a tough duel. “France is a physical team and they make their opponents feel it,” praised third row Manuel Ardao. The challenge for us will be to offer this game of contacts or to try to dominate them in this area. » The large turnover operated by Fabien Galthié’s staff – only Cameron Woki, Gabin Villière and Yoram Moefana will continue after the success against the All Blacks – could offer them a shooting window, even if Ardao recalled that there is no had “only great players”.
“We have to respect them, but without overdoing it,” warned the third row. The Uruguayans will in any case rely on a well-established collective, since 21 of the 33 players selected play together in the Peñarol franchise, double champion of Super Rugby Américas, a South American championship launched in 2020. “He brings to the Uruguay what it needs: competition, playing time, resources and professionalism, summarized Ardao, one of the many Peñarol players. » Together, the Teros have set themselves a goal: to win two matches in this World Cup. In three appearances, this has never happened to them.
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