The Toulouse third row looks back on the new challenges awaiting the Blues during the November tour which begins on Saturday against Japan.
In Marcoussis
A new start for the Blues
“Of course the objective of (the World Cup) 2027 is in the back of our minds. But it involves the Tournaments and the tours beforehand, with the obvious objective of winning them. There, it's Japan, the All Blacks and Argentina. These are nations that we don't face very often. It's always stimulating and interesting to play these teams. Particularly the Japanese who have a very open game. We expect a lot of travel this weekend. And obviously, a big fight.”
France, a rank to regain?
“We are proud of our journey so far. Even if it was tainted by this defeat in the World Cup. But it's behind us. And now we look forward. We want to stay on the same standards as what we had before and seek more. We don't ask too many questions. We are just very happy to be there between us, to give our best for the jersey. We want to get back into cycles of victories. We kept the same working method. There are adaptations to rectify what was not relevant in previous seasons. But, overall, the areas of work are the same. And we try to work in continuity rather than breaking something that was working quite well.”
The reunion at the Stade de France
“It’s definitely a stadium we like to play in. But the Tournament campaign last year, with matches in the provinces, was also interesting, with a different audience. And I believe that we were able to reach more people than when we only play in Paris. But, in fact, this Stade de France is working quite well for us and we have great pleasure playing there. (The bad memory of the defeat against South Africa in the quarter-final of the last World Cup) Obviously… If we only remember this one, we're disappointed. But there were others, nice ones too. I think that's it, the page has been turned. And rather than looking backwards, we are trying to look towards 2027. Obviously using what did not work in previous years. But on balance, there are still quite a few good things to keep. By respecting all the steps that will have to be taken before 2027.”
The new life charter for the Blues
“It was very well received by the group. We talked about it at the start of last week, to set the framework and then be able to switch to pure rugby. This is something that was presented by Jean-Marc Lhermet and Raphaël Ibanez last week. The whole group integrated it. Now, we are in working order with only one objective, rugby and the three matches of this tour.
The return of Antoine Dupont
“It was a very important goal for him to have the chance to compete in the Olympic Games. Something he had the chance to do. And on top of that, winning. It was something incredible for him and incredible for French rugby. He cut, but he came back just as strong, if not better. So, it’s obviously a pleasure to have him back for us already in the club. And there, to have him with us in the French team, obviously, it’s a big plus for us. (…) I think the 7th opened it up a little. Even if he doesn't need to have an opening on rugby… (Laughs) But he saw a new rugby and he was able to develop new skills. Antoine has the intelligence to find the fault and the key whatever the situation. And that’s its big strong point. It was only natural for us that he would come back as captain. He was before leaving at 7. When he comes back, knowing that his level is the same, or even better, there is no debate on that subject.
The emergence of Alexandre Roumat
“Alexandre is a player who is very intelligent and who has the ability to blend into different positions, whether it's number 4, number 6, 7 or 8. He has the ability to play any position. He is a player who is full of confidence, who is exploding, whether here or within the club. I'm very happy for him because he worked, he learned from his journey. It’s not insignificant what’s happening today.”
Competition on the third line
“There is strong emulation, strong competition in the third line position, but this is the case for all positions and it allows everyone to push their limits and seek the best. To be as efficient as possible and to have the chance to be on this team. I don't see this as a disadvantage, but rather as an advantage that allows me to push my limits and go for a longer course. There is great emulation in the group with new faces, who also want to experience adventure and be part of the group. It's normal, it's the law of sport. We haven't yet decided on the lineup for this weekend, but there will certainly be changes. In any case, what's good is that all the players who are here, the 42, plus those who came and went in the first week, everyone is 200% involved.
