2023-10-14 10:28:00
Cameron Woki, second line of the XV of France: “I expect a tough, physical match, once morest a second line who have played a lot together, and who complement each other. Then physically, they are strong, but in Marseille [30-26 en novembre 2022] I believe we had responded to the physical challenge. […] We feel a lot of excitement, we want to be there. The week? We trained as usual, but we felt like we were preparing for a different match.”
“Either it passes, or we go home. But we do this sport for that, for this challenge, for these emotions. However, I felt the guys calm this week. We worked, we tightened up, we spoke of conquest… But there were smiles at training, at the hotel, between us. We make the most of it, we remain human. […]
How to upset them on the sidelines? We did a lot of analysis, and we know that it was the team that blocked the most balls in the competition. They have two blocks that go very high, with Etzebeth and Mostert. But there are alternatives, because they cannot block us everywhere. There will therefore be ways out, and it is up to us to look for them. It will be a big challenge. […]
Apparent serenity? Let’s say that many of us have already tasted the final phases, are used to this type of meeting. So yes, it’s a little different because it’s a World Cup, but we’re relaxed. It’s still rugby, the group lives well together and we don’t particularly feel any pressure.”
Peato Mauvaka, hooker of the XV of France: “South Africa as a world reference in terms of its pack? In any case, before each match, whether it is a preparation match or in a group, we consider that it is a final phase match. Yes, we knows that conquest is South Africa’s strong point, besides, they say everywhere that they dominate everyone, so… I can’t wait for Sunday (smile). Why Are we calm? Well, because Antoine [Dupont] returned”.
Raphaël Ibanez, general manager of the XV of France : “Playing once morest South Africa, who won the competition four years ago, at the Stade de France, in the quarter-final, in front of the French public… What might be better? […] When we hear Rassie Erasmus (Director of South African rugby) declare that they will have 60 million supporters who will support them from home, we must not forget that we have an important advantage: we play at home, with an audience who will be there to vibrate, accompany us, support us, encourage us. I have also noticed a real evolution in recent years at the Stade de France: we feel that the public wants to help the players, not just to celebrate points. It’s remarkable, interesting for us. […] The surprising composition of the Boks? We will wait for kick-off, because we might be surprised (smile). Everything can happen. It’s a game of chess, we’re in pre-match strategy.”
1697306688
#calm #Antoine #Dupont #returned #laughs #Peato #Mauvaka #France #South #Africa
