2024-11-22 23:57:00
Fabien, what assessment do you draw from this fall tour?
“It was an important gathering, we hadn’t seen each other with some, like Antoine (Dupont) for a year. We had to regain momentum, it was important to be present in these three matches, and it’s done. We had a challenge, it was to go quickly, to quickly find the organization to perform. We are satisfied with the results, starting with the one against Argentina. »
Do you think this match against Argentina was controlled?
“From the moment you finish with two marks difference… It’s better than the Irish (winners 22-19 a week ago, editor’s note). When we went into the locker room with 30-9, we could be ambitious… But that was without taking into account their ability to react and their current level. »
Did this match against Argentina have a special flavor after your summer tour there?
“The tour to Argentina is also part of our history, notably with the victory in Mendoza. Afterwards, we had to play rugby with what happened to us, it is also part of our team’s path. We never prepared this match (this Friday, editor’s note) as a reunion. The Argenins accompanied us a lot there, we came together as one. I really thank the selection, the Federation for the welcome they gave us. »
“We ticked enough boxes each time”
Once again, you have shown your offensive efficiency…
“Yes, and we can do better. We have highlights that we do not conclude. When we were in phase with our roadmap, we realized that we were dangerous, effective, that we could have control of the match. When we enter the last 20 minutes with a lot of confidence – and even if we are never safe – we are very high, the teams have very low possession… Opposite, there are players who have qualities, which managed to break the curtain, but we knew how to reorganize ourselves. We take tests on errors that come from higher up, but (our players) have the right to be pushed around as well. »
You talked a lot about attacking play before this block of three matches. Do you feel like you have progressed in this sector?
“The offensive game is not an isolated structure, it depends on our phases of conquest, of combat as in aerial duels, of our ability to defend well, of our kicking game… We can do better, we have this feeling. But honestly, we checked enough boxes each time to ensure the essentials. There are hand faults that we are not satisfied with, these are fairly obvious areas for improvement. What we decided to do works, the players apply it. »
“There is a challenge with those who are there”
During this gathering, you were also able to rely on a larger group of 42 players to prepare for the meetings. How much of an asset is this to you?
“The 42-man method allows us to expand the potential, to prepare players who can come in like Marko Gazzotti who played in the second half against Argentina. There was Romain Buros who came back and had a great match against New Zealand, then Tevita Tatafu in the first test, who only played eight minutes – but he has potential and we are counting on him. This method creates emulation, the players do not arrive on tiptoe, there is a challenge with those who are there. This is what I prefer, it’s the basis of the method. If we have the possibility in the league and Federation agreements to keep the players for three days and work with them, it is extraordinary. »
Another point on which you insisted a lot this month is emulation. Is that something that pushed you during these three meetings?
“There has always been this emulation, but with a team which wins 80% of matches in 4 years which has never happened in French rugby. So we think that all the players who are there at that moment can still be starters. Yet there is never any comfort for anyone. Today, there is healthy emulation: wearing this jersey is sacred. Accepting this means experiencing great moments but also the hardest, with personal and collective questioning. There has never been a comfort zone for anyone. »
“We must not separate Act I from Act II”
Do you think that this meeting definitively marks the beginning of Act II of your mandate?
“I see things in continuity; in Marcoussis, the arrow of time is in continuity. The quarter-final lost by one point is part of our path, that of the players. Act I should not be separated from Act II. This year 2024, some say it is more or less successful. There were problems, things to manage. There are strong times, weak times…”
The next meeting is the 6 Nations Tournament. What can you tell us about this?
“It will be a special Tournament, we host Wales and we finish with the reception of Scotland. In the meantime, there will be three trips in a row. Par excellence, it’s going to be very difficult… But that’s why [cette compétition] is beautiful. »
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#Rugby #France #Fabien #Galthié #realized #dangerous
What were the key outcomes of the recent fall tour for Fabien Galthié and his team?
### Interview with Fabien Galthié on the Fall Tour and Upcoming Challenges
**Date: 2024-11-23**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Fabien. What is your assessment of the recent fall tour?
**Fabien Galthié:** It was a crucial gathering for us. There were players we hadn’t seen in a year, like Antoine Dupont. Regaining momentum was essential, and we needed to be present for our three matches. We faced the challenge of re-establishing our organization quickly, and I’m pleased with our results, especially the victory against Argentina.
—
**Interviewer:** Reflecting on the match against Argentina, do you think it was under control?
**Fabien Galthié:** It’s always tricky to quantify control in rugby. Winning by just two points can feel tenuous. However, our 30-9 lead at halftime gave us hope and ambition. We must, of course, credit their ability to respond, as they’ve shown improvement recently.
—
**Interviewer:** Did playing against Argentina hold any special significance after your summer tour there?
**Fabien Galthié:** Absolutely. Our tour to Argentina is part of our history, especially with the victory in Mendoza. While we didn’t frame this match merely as a reunion, the camaraderie we developed during our summer tour is meaningful. I’m grateful for the support we received from Argentina—there’s a bond there.
—
**Interviewer:** Your team has demonstrated impressive offensive efficiency. What’s your take on this aspect?
**Fabien Galthié:** Yes, while we’ve shown flashes of brilliance, there’s always room for improvement. There were moments when we could have finished better. When we align with our game plan, we become dangerous. As we entered the last 20 minutes with confidence, we managed to control possession, but we did face challenges. We must address mistakes from higher levels but also acknowledge that our players are learning to manage pressure as they grow.
—
**Interviewer:** You previously highlighted attacking play as a focus. Do you feel you’ve made progress in this area?
**Fabien Galthié:** For sure. However, our offensive game doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s interconnected with our ability to win battles in the air, defend effectively, and control our kicking game. While we’ve ticked many boxes, there are evident areas for improvement, particularly in handling. What we’ve trained is being implemented during matches, which is encouraging.
—
**Interviewer:** With a larger group of 42 players to work with, how has this benefitted your preparations?
**Fabien Galthié:** The 42-man approach expands our potential. It allows us to prepare players for future roles, like Marko Gazzotti who contributed significantly against Argentina. This strategy creates a competitive environment where players feel the pressure to perform. It’s essential for building depth and ensuring everyone is ready to step up as needed.
—
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Fabien. We look forward to seeing how your team progresses!
**Fabien Galthié:** Thank you! We’re excited about the challenges ahead.
