Marcoussis (France) (AFP)

The Six Nations Tournament suspended after the postponement of the 5th and last France-Ireland match, scheduled for Saturday but which should be played in the fall, coach Fabien Galthié and Blues manager Raphaël Ibanez took stock of this first stage in taking office.

. "A very unique tournament"

Raphaël Ibanez: "Yesterday (Monday) morning again at the exit of the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh we were convinced that we were going to play this meeting (Saturday) against Ireland at the Stade de France. Then it was landing In Paris we had confirmation that the match was postponed. We had to face an unforeseen situation and adapt as best as possible, optimize the time allotted to us and we spent this day (Tuesday) with the whole of the forces of the France group for a time of analysis which allows us to return to the four matches played in this very unique Six Nations Tournament, which constitute only one stage. "

. From living environment to playing environment

Ibanez: "We proposed to the players a new model based on two essential poles, on an equal basis, the living environment and the playing environment. Beyond these three matches won out of four and the ever-present possibility of winning the Tournament ( France is 2nd on equal points with England), we found that the main point of satisfaction was this idea that the living environment, the way we live together, is transferable to the field. During these seven weeks, we have produced exceptional things on the ground. "

. "Seven weeks of enchantment"

Fabien Galthié: "What predominates is the pleasure of having lived seven weeks together. The unconditional pleasure, the permanent enchantment. The discovery. We discovered ourselves, the staff, the players that we selected. stop seven weeks of enchantment, this crazy rhythm, incredible images in the head, unimaginable at times, emotions too, this fervor that surprised us. When we studied the why of what happened in Edinburgh (defeat 28-17), that (fervor) was part of the study framework: how we react to these surprises, certainly very pleasant, but beyond what we could imagine, beyond what that we have lived as a player in our time. "

. "We had a lot of parties"

Galthié: "The evenings ... We partied a lot, despite the presence of two nutritionists who explained to us well the harmful effects of drinks with a sometimes high degree of alcohol, and also limited quantities, they were there, Fortunately, by the way. But we really had a good time, it started in this chalet after the match against France Militaire (in preparation in Nice on January 25) and it continued until yesterday evening here. "

. Mohamed Haouas must inspire Alun Wyn Jones

Galthié: "I was reading a very interesting interview with Alun Wyn Jones today, who said that he had 130 caps (138, specifies Ibanez). When this misfortune happened to him, we will say with this English adversary (Joe Marler , summoned to appear for grabbing the Welsh captain's genitals), he was asked for his reaction and he said that, from his 138 caps, 'I knew very well that if I reacted as I should react, as a man , I was going to immediately abandon my team and receive a red card. ”Well, from the top of his four selections, Momo Haouas did not have the necessary hindsight to react like this when he had just received - several repeats, and that's part of the game, it's learning - a series of very manly treatments. If you go to the ground at that point, you stop, the match may be different because the decision may be radically opposite, with a red for the opponent. be one of the first turning points of the match, of the young career of Momo Haouas and our young team. "

. Ollivon "took the measure of his role as captain"

Ibanez: "Charles entered his role of captain with, at the same time, a form of carelessness, doubtless linked to the experiences he lived because he was long injured and returned from hell, but also with a form of conviction and an enormous determination. A form of carelessness with regard to the responsibility of captain, which he ended up assuming gradually, like the team. He quickly entered the function , he entered success very quickly with an incredible appetite. For us, it is a real satisfaction. In this will to progress, to learn, he got closer to the technical staff with this will to listen and We felt a Charles Ollivon take the measure of his role as captain during the matches. "

© 2020 AFP