Marcoussis (France) (AFP)
No feeling of revenge. For Fabien Galthié, the quarter-final of the World Cup-2019 in Japan, lost to Wales 20-19, is not taken into account to prepare the trip to Cardiff: "The World Cup was before ", assured the coach of the Blues.
. Gaël Fickou at the wing
Fabien Galthié, XV coach of France: "Vincent Rattez is injured. Damian Penaud, who is in our group, is not able. We had to decide: we chose first to reinstate Virimi Vakatawa in the center and then to let Arthur Vincent, who did a very good part for his first selection, and therefore drag Gaël Fickou to the wing. Density, experience ... He has already played on the wing, it's a choice motivated by consistency. Do not move a team under construction too much. Density also because on the right foot of the Welsh, we will find George North who is an impressive winger, who likes to play duels. "
. The absence of Jefferson Poirot
Fabien Galthié: "We must already underline the very very good performance of Cyril Baille in this position. And the presence of Jean-Baptiste Gros, who has been performing for two seasons with his club. He has been with us since January 19, we we are lucky to have high potential players, there is a lot of emulation. Jefferson is still part of the France group, of the 42 who trained this morning. We, of course, took the time to speak with him As with all the players who are not on the scoresheet and who were before: Cameron Woki, Boris Palu, Peato Mauvaka ... We took the time to explain our choices. Before announcing the team to players. We talk to them early on Monday. The players know exactly what is expected of them and what they are capable of producing. "
. Merchant rather than Cat
Fabien Galthié: "Julien Marchand is on his stride. Since January 19, he has chained all of the training sessions and the two matches as titular players. And he was successful. There was no reason to get him out of the team nor to change the organization, especially on the front line. We are very happy with the return of Camille Chat, after his injury before the first game. He made a progressive return, he was able to do this week the two big training sessions, Tuesday and this morning. He is fit and he is taking up a place in the France group. He will bring us his full potential and it is interesting to have him on the match sheet to compete with the Welsh. "
. A special match for Shaun Edwards
Raphaël Ibanez, manager of the XV de France: "Shaun's added value has been certain since the first day. He continues his training with the team, with the group. He is extremely focused on the instructions and his quality of coach and not especially on the symbol that could represent for him the idea to return to known ground. He has the capacity to make the share of the things and, for having exchanged with him, he had these very clear words and very brief: "I am here to give the best to the players and to prepare them for Wales as well as possible". It was really his focus during the week. "
. Revenge for the quarterfinal of the World Cup?
Fabien Galthié: "Personally, I think it's a different story. Before, it was before. The World Cup was before. Today, the match that we have been preparing for two weeks arrives in two days. We focus on our strength of the moment, on our organization of the moment, on our working method which is different and has evolved since the quarter-final. The players also have evolved, that's another story and we imagine another scenario. Japan’s neutrality will not be the same as Cardiff’s environment. "
. A lack of experience?
Raphaël Ibanez: "I think it is essential, when approaching the match, to find a fair balance. It is true that, when we look coldly at the total number of selections for the France team, obviously, in terms of experience, it's different from what Wales can claim. So we have to find a balance between the emotional, strategic and tactical part to put the players in the best moods. We have to pass on our experience and go in the simplest way: targeting their opponents, the players at the station. This is a key to staying focused. Ultimately, it's still a rugby match and you have to dominate your direct opponent. You have to stay focused on this aspect for better grasp the context. A context that promises to be hot and that's good. "
Comments gathered at a press conference
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