Paris (AFP)

Montpellier hooker Guilhem Guirado (33, 74 caps) followed with attention the XV of France during the Six Nations Tournament and Charles Ollivon, his successor as captain, made him "a very good impression", a- he explained to AFP.

Q: What impression did the French team make on you during this Tournament?

A: "It was very satisfying: they showed a good frame of mind. There was something strong that took root in them because they started very slowly and progressed. It was delicate on the last match (28-17 defeat against Scotland, editor's note) because they are frustrated and they wanted to continue with the last match (against Ireland) to finish on a good note. the consequences mean that they could not continue ... In any case, what they showed is a sign of hope and good things for the future. There will inevitably be an impact, one after , knowing that it will be even harder to bounce back from what is happening now ... "

Q: And Charles Ollivon? What did you think of him as a captain?

A: "A very good impression. I had discussions with him. Knowing him, I knew that he was going to take up the challenge. What I especially liked was the players who responded, present at his side, executives or more experienced players, those players who have experienced the French team, which enabled all young people to arrive confident about these precious moments. And afterwards, Charles showed that he had the qualities to play at this level. He stayed himself and that's the main thing. It's up to them to create their story and make their way together. It's going to be quite generous on a mandate. I wish him a lot of courage, knowing that the club part will also take a lot of time. You have to succeed in combining the two and, above all, be the most exemplary. For me, that is what is most important. "

Q: You said you talked to him, did you give him some advice?

A: "We talked about the situation, in relation to my experience and my experience. Afterwards, advice, not really. We know each other, we played together in Toulon, we have a common experience and a certain experience that allows us to exchange but without necessarily wanting to transcribe what I could live. I think he appropriated it and that is especially what we must highlight. We drew the outline of the role of captain, it was up to everyone to make it their own. It was more friendly than captain to captain. "

Interview by Nicholas Mc ANALLY

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