A formality that the Blues take seriously. After their beautiful inaugural victory against New Zealand (27-13), Fabien Galthié’s players want to continue for their second group match in this World Cup against Uruguay, a team much less prestigious than the All Blacks.
After a final training session on the pitch of the Pierre-Mauroy stadium, in Villeneuve-d’Ascq in the Lille suburbs, center Arthur Vincent, hooker Pierre Bourgarit and Raphaël Ibanez, the manager of this largely revamped French XV, spoke about their Uruguayan opponent (17th nation in the world in the World Rugby rankings).
“We approach it in the same way as the match against New Zealand,” assures Pierre Bourgarit. This gap on paper is present, but this team is entering the competition, and will be keen to show a good image. We would have a lot to lose if we took them too high. We know very well that it will be a valiant team, which will rely on the basics of this sport, scrum, touch, carried ball… Behind them they also have qualities, they have a lot of collective experience, they played together in 2019 We are not taking the match lightly. »
Raphaël Ibanez specifies that the Blues have not changed their preparation mode before facing Uruguay, which has a few ProD2 and Top 14 players, including Castres scrum half Santiago Arata. “We very quickly moved on to Uruguay after New Zealand,” explains the manager of the Rance XV. We stuck to our process, with a day of recovery then time to analyze the opening match. That’s the charm of this competition, you can’t afford to be too contemplative. Everything leads us to look forward to the next match. »
Bourgarit and Vincent, two ghosts who will have a lot to prove
It will therefore be Uruguay, against whom Arthur Vincent expects a strong start to the match. “We expect them to put a lot of heart and energy at the start of the match. It’s important for us to respond collectively and face it.” The Montpellier center, back as a starter after two years very disrupted by serious knee injuries, knows that he has come a long way. “I try to put the personal aspect aside. I don’t look back too much, but yes I am very happy. No matter what role I am given, I try to give the best for the team. »
Pierre Bourgarit will celebrate his third start in blue, and his first match in the World Cup, just like Arthur Vincent. “On an individual level I am happy to take part in this competition, 4 years ago I did not hit the right wagon,” explains the hooker from La Rochelle. Julien’s (Marchand) injury will perhaps give me more playing time. I’m not putting pressure, I’ll try to replace Julien as best as possible and bring the best to the team. »
It is with this vengeful French team around another returnee, captain Anthony Jelonch, that the XV of France will want to continue its road without pitfalls towards the final stages. “With time and experience, he learned to understand this role,” said Pierre Bourgarit, a Gersois like Jelonch. He will be able to lead us to victory.” See you Thursday evening.
