Since Monday night, the names of the 31 players of the XV of France who will go to Japan for the World Cup are now known. Despite this announcement, our journalist Virginie Phulpin brushes, in the sports editorial, a rather pessimistic portrait in this period of preparation of the Blues.

EDITORIAL

The 31 players of the XV of France are known. And that did not really reassure our journalist Virginie Phulpin who paints a portrait rather pessimistic in this period of preparation of the Blues.

"Look at what happened on Friday at the Stade de France, the last World Cup preparation match of the Blues, which was against weak Italy, but a last match before a World Cup, normally it attracts the fans. And it was like a game in camera, 25,000 people in the stands, half of whom were guests, it sounded hollow, and then do a little test around you, ask to be quoted two players from XV of France: I bet you that you will not have many answers.

A probable defeat

The results of the XV of France that do not help. It's been years since this team skates. So little scoop: the Blues will not win this World Cup. I hope I'm wrong, we are never safe from a good surprise, but it's still unlikely. And finally, it does not matter. We can get excited for beautiful losers. Except that I'm still looking for magnificence.

Another problem: the staff of the Blues is as insipid behind the scenes as the XV of France is awkward on the ground. The coach, Jacques Brunel, has trouble communicating, it's a euphemism. Last night on TV to give his list of selected players, we felt that it was a pain for him. He did not want to be here.

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Even against the players it must not be simple. At his side, as deputy, he has Fabien Galthié, his future successor at the head of the Blues. I'm not sure it makes it easier, that kind of team. Have we prepared this World Cup or are we already working on the next one?

Make the audience dream

For the moment, even the goals of the Blues are unclear. We are only entitled to vague and ready answers. "We want to be able to compete with our opponents". Yes, but which ones? Those of the first round or we see further? Tell us ! So I know that wooden spoon and wooden tongue are words that go very well together, but at some point it will be necessary to cut the tap of lukewarm water and to excite us a little! It's back to school, we need to dream, to encourage, to be in bad faith before the matches of the Blues, to vibrate, what! Gentlemen, I am not asking you to conquer the world, just to embark on your adventure.