Raphaël Ibanez, manager of the XV of France, explained to expect "a very big challenge" for the Blues against Australia on Saturday at the Stade de France.
"Is the meeting going to be very close? It's very likely since that had been the case when we were at home," explained Ibanez, Friday, November 4, at a press conference from the Stade de France after the match. captain training.
“We are preparing for a very big challenge”.
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"They are very tough players, very strong mentally to come back late in the game," added Ibanez, referring to the last minute victory for the Wallabies last week in Scotland (16-15).
The Blues will in particular have to be wary of the "very experienced" scrum-half Nic White, said his French counterpart Antoine Dupont.
"We met him (when he was playing) in Montpellier, he is a player who takes a lot of responsibility on the pitch, who is very comfortable technically, and who will be to be watched", estimated the captain of the XV of France.
Raphaël Ibanez welcomed the return of Australian third line Michael Hooper, who replayed with the Wallabies in Scotland for the first time since leaving the selection this summer in order to preserve his mental health.
"I think we're all quite relieved to see him playing rugby again after the months he's just had," noted Ibanez, finding him "still as formidable, at the forefront of the fight".
Raphaël Ibanez also declared that the Blues were "all affected by the death of Benoît Dauga, a true sacred monster of French rugby" which occurred on Thursday November 3, and indicated that a minute of applause will take place before the kick-off of the game in his honor.
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