2023-10-13 13:06:28
The coach of the XV of France, Fabien Galthié, revealed this Friday the composition of the XV of France for this highly anticipated match against South Africa (Sunday 9 p.m. at the Stade de France), in the quarter-final of the World Cup . Visibly relaxed and serene, he is particularly delighted with the return of his captain Antoine Dupont.
How are you approaching this decisive match?
FABIEN GALTHIÉ. We are always nervous before this type of match, it would be a lie to say that we don’t feel the tension, that’s what makes this moment so special. We try to make the most of these moments, which are rare. And to experience them well together, to move forward towards this meeting, with a lot of joy, pleasure, happiness, determination too.
How did you manage Antoine Dupont’s injury?
Compared to all the pressure around Antoine and his injury, we handled the subject in a very calm manner, with the medical staff and the surgeon first. We took the time, we didn’t force the decisions at all. We went through all the stages with peace of mind. The World Cup is long, it gives the possibility of starting at 33 and staying at 33, even if Julien (Marchand, injured since the opening match), only played a quarter of an hour , he comes back too. That’s also what a World Cup is, it’s won over the long haul, while waiting.
Is this the most important match of your mandate?
We are heading towards a meeting which is undoubtedly the most important, it is coming. The past is on the shelves, the memories, the experiences. The challenge, as from the beginning, is to simply play rugby, as a team, with ambition, and the desire to take on this challenge as we have always done.
“I lived there in 1995, I learned a lot about their vision, their culture”
South Africa is an opponent you know well…
South Africa, which holds its title of world champion high, inspired us a lot. We followed her a lot, we tried to understand them, their vision, the meaning of their commitment. They talk a lot about unifying the nation. It’s quite a symbol. It is a country that we love. I lived there in 1995, I learned a lot about their vision, their culture. Playing a quarter-final in Paris against them is magnificent, it’s wonderful, we are aware of that.
The Springboks have changed their team composition and that of their bench. Were you surprised?
To know South Africa and its staff well, they have a very sophisticated, very thoughtful tactical approach. There is never any chance with them. They always have a very studied plan against the opponent. They’ve been stationary for two weeks, observing what’s happening. Their choice of team composition, with a few changes and a 5-3 bench, is calm, strategic, thoughtful. It’s a game of chess. They always adapt. They have strong points, but will always pull out what looks good depending on the opponent.
Why did you choose a bench with 6 forwards and 2 backs, and the return of Sekou Macalou?
If Sekou is among the finishers, it is to have different levers on which to rely during the match. This allows you to maintain power but also speed, impact and presence in the aerial game. We also have “starters” who can cover different options without changing the organization.
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