Tuesday evening, the coach of the French forwards William Servat was reassuring about the state of health of Antoine Dupont, who was absent from training on Tuesday but who will start well against New Zealand. He also took advantage of his speech to announce the package of Uini Atonio and return, not without humor, to the performance framework now governing the daily life of the XV of France…
Can you give us news about Antoine Dupont, Thibaud Flament and Uini Atonio, who did not train on Tuesday afternoon?
Antoine was slightly ill yesterday (Monday), we have planned a gradual recovery for him. He could have trained today but we didn't want to rush things. Uini is still recovering, we are keeping him with us: but with the small relapses he has experienced in his calf, he will only be able to apply next week, against Argentina. Concerning Thibaud Flament, who suffered a slight injury to his iliac crest against Japan, he will probably be available for this weekend. I'm confident about it.
Is it hard for Uini Atonio, who will not be able to face his country of birth?
It's hard for all the players who won't have the chance to participate in this meeting. This match is special in many ways. New Zealand is a team that inspires dreams, which produces Rugby so ambitious that many young people are inspired by it. We have the chance to face them on Saturday night and it's a great opportunity, even if it will also be very difficult.
What did you think of Tevita Tatafu's first selection, against Japan?
He gave a very good performance. It's never easy to start in the national team and Tevita responded. Like Manny Meafou, Tevita chose to represent France rather than another country and I have a lot of admiration for that. Everything is not yet perfect at Tevita but he is only 22 years old and will move up in terms of engagement, scrum… […] This boy has willpower, you know: I remind you that he has lost more than twenty kilos since June to be able to apply with us. […] He has a body shape that lends itself to this position and our style of play. His profile is promising for the future and the match to come. He is not the only one: Georges-Henri Colombe shows up, Régis Montagne too. Owning such a tank is a real blessing. This was not always the case.
What do the All Blacks inspire in you?
We are professionals but above all we are enthusiasts, people who deeply love this sport. The All Blacks are the team that everyone dreams of. Having the chance to meet them is still incredible. I also have a lot of respect for the Haka. There is, in short, a notion of spectacle but also of commitment among the All Blacks.
Will there be a response to the Haka on Saturday evening?
Expect nothing special. The most beautiful response is to respect a nation and a country. That's what we'll do Saturday night. We just want to play this match with maximum commitment. […] The French XV is aware that a match against the All Blacks cannot be prepared lightly. We have the opportunity to win but also to take fifty. I experienced it and in these cases, you see everything in black. Not just their jerseys, though…
What impression did Paul Boudehent make on you on Saturday evening against Japan?
Paul is someone who has been participating in our various competitions for some time now. He joined the group with his human qualities, qualities as a player. At the opening of the World Cup, he made a magnificent debut against New Zealand. He asserts himself from match to match. He brings character and that’s an important factor in a rugby team.
What do you think of New Zealand's forward package?
I have a lot of respect for these players. When we see their performances in Super Rugby, firstly, but also recently against Ireland or England… (He cuts) They are explosive players, with enormous individual qualities. This opposition must therefore allow us to transcend ourselves. It's been a long time since the All Blacks have performed this well.
Is it a risk to start Romain Buros at the back?
Romain, he has been with us for many years. It wasn't always easy for him. He has toured (in Japan in 2022, Editor's note) without being capped. The boy has character and is capable of taking on great challenges. Clearly, Romain Buros is someone we rely on a lot.
It is not neutral, however, to start your international career against the All Blacks…
It's not neutral but what could be better than celebrating a first selection against the biggest? […] Great players, great matches and I think that Romain Buros is one of those people. He will rise to the level of the meeting. I trust him.
How has the new living environment of the French XV changed your daily life?
It made a lot of noise but it didn't change anything in our way of life. Our players are not alcoholics and do not drink in secret. Simply, when we represent the French team, we have rights but above all duties. We are all aware of this.
Did you like the non-alcoholic beer after the match?
I didn't drink any. Alcohol-free beer would be a form of palliative for alcoholics and I am lucky not to be one of them. (Laughs)
