Nice (AFP)
Rare fact, the XV of France has done its traditional training of the captain Friday at the Allianz Riviera in Nice on the eve of starting against Scotland his preparation for the World Cup, with the only 23 players present on the sheet of match.
Normally, Reservists also participate in this dress rehearsal. Not Friday, when they watched from the bench the session of nearly an hour, started at 18:30. This in order to anticipate the rule enacted by World Rugby at the World Cup in Japan (September 20-November 2), unless waived by the match director.
"These are the new guidelines for the World Cup, where we can not be more than 23 on the field, so we wanted to get into the World Cup conditions directly. we adapt, "said Jefferson Poirot, captain of the Blues for the first time in the absence of Guilhem Guirado, spared.
The Bordelais and his 22 team-mates crossed the lawn of the Allianz Riviera (35,000 seats) under the eyes of French President Bernard Laporte, and with the desire to finally fight, after a preparation started (in full ) almost a month and a half ago.
"There was a lot of excitement in the week, on the last training sessions as well, we feel that everyone is a little electric," continued the left pillar.
"There are small mistakes on excess of envy but honestly I prefer that, it's the times when it smells good, we have suffered together for eight weeks and today we can not wait to find something concrete" he concluded.
The kickoff will be given Saturday (21h05) under a temperature of some 23 degrees and clear weather with a light breeze that should not disturb the scorers.
© 2019 AFP