Rugby World Cup: how do Les Bleus manage their (long) break before Italy?

Cédric Chasseur, edited by Gauthier Delomez / Photo credits: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP 05:59, September 27, 2023

The Blues can breathe. Almost a week after their demonstration at the Velodrome stadium against Namibia (96-0), Fabien Galthié's players are still gathered in Aix-en-Provence since their next World Cup match, against Italy in Lyon, is scheduled only nine days away. A wait that may seem long, for the fans of the XV of France, but also for the players themselves, accustomed since the beginning of the competition to play once a week.

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However, the Habs have to deal with it. "We necessarily want to play very quickly once we have recovered well," agrees the center Arthur Vincent, "but it is also important to have this time to prepare the match," he added in a press conference.

It is good to "give slack to the rope", says Jean-Claude Perrin

The dilemma is therefore more for the staff of the Blues who have chosen to give rest to their players this week. In nine days, they will benefit from six days off. A choice assumed and validated by the specialist in physical preparation, Jean-Claude Perrin. "Fabien Galthié took the right formula. The matches were very, very hard. So we have to recover muscularly and psychologically, "he details at the microphone of Europe 1.

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According to the coach, also a consultant for Europe 1, it is good to "give a little slack to the rope" to the group. A group that will train Thursday, still in Aix-en-Provence, during a session open to the public. And the Blues will benefit from two additional days of rest where they will have free time, before the start of a more classic week to prepare for the last meeting of Group A against Italy, Friday, October 6.