Marcoussis (France) (AFP)
Wales, opponent of the XV of France on Saturday (9:10 pm) at the Stade de France, evokes "only good memories" for the back Anthony Bouthier who had scored his first international try in Cardiff in February during the Tournament of six nations.
QUESTION: What do you remember about this victory in Cardiff (27-23)?
ANSWER: "Only good memories, because it was our first away victory (in the 2020 Tournament), in Wales. It was one more torn match, which we are on the verge of losing also, with a good group and a good atmosphere. So good memories. "
Q: You registered your first international try during this meeting.
What place does it occupy in your career?
A: "For my first Tournament, my first match at the Millennium (Stadium), it happened quite quickly ... For my third (international) match to score a try, it's a great, great memory that remains forever engraved. . A try in Blue, I think everyone remembers it, a try like that with this group too. There is a great state of mind so it makes it all the more fun to score and win with guys like that. "
Q: How did you experience the period of negotiations between the Federation and the League on the availability of internationals?
A: "Like everyone else ... There was a decision taken but we just had to follow. We kept in touch on the whole but for us the important thing was to meet again and go back to good times like that in Blue and to start again on a good preparation against Wales, before the match (last of the Tournament) against Ireland in two weeks (October 31). "
Q: How did you regain your marks with the France team?
A: "It's going very well because we found three quarters of the group that had played the Tournament and it hasn't changed too much in the systems. We just got back to work, we reworked the combinations and the game plans. Then, little by little, we manage to find the automatisms on and off the field in order to be able to be well connected for Saturday's game. "
Q: You were one of the revelations of the first part of the Tournament.
What has this changed in your life?
A: "Well, let's say that after the Tournament, there was confinement, so I didn't see many people (smile). Of course that has changed (things) compared to social networks, because 'we were a bit closed at home and we didn't see many people. After that, I remained the same, well I at least try ... to continue to have fun on the field and with them ( his teammates). "
Q: You played opener with your club the last two days of Top 14. Do you feel ready to help out in this position?
R: "I was not asked ... After that I will play the position that will be given to me. We will see tomorrow (Wednesday, in training)."
Q: Do you enjoy the job of opener?
A: "Yes, they are two different positions with the 15 (back), for sure. I started at that position (opener) so it's nice to go back from time to time, but I feel more comfortable in 15 today anyway. "
Q: Playing behind closed doors requires special preparation?
A: "It's true that it's a little weird at the start but the preparation for the match remains the same. We have the chance to play for the France team, we represent the country so us, we just have to prepare in the best way to have a big game and a big performance on Saturday. "
Comments gathered during a press briefing
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