Friday evening, Gabin Villière (28 years old, 17 caps) will have a second consecutive start with the XV of France. The opportunity for him to project himself onto Argentina…
What did you think of the atmosphere at the Stade de France last Saturday?
We feel that there are people behind us. It's been going on for a few years now and it's great to see our discipline and our team highlighted.
Have you recovered from the last match against New Zealand?
The Blacks had beautiful animals in front and behind. This match was tough but we are slowly starting to recover. In any case, we have everything we need in Marcoussis to make a good recovery.
Your team defended very well against New Zealand…
Defense is as good as attack in Rugby, as we saw last Saturday. This little extra point against the Blacks is thanks to the defense. The taste for tackling is a state of mind that we all have in the France team.
Are you able to put as much intensity against Argentina on Friday?
It's going to be necessary. Argentina is coming out of a big Rugby Championship and for some time now has been competing with the biggest teams. We know what to expect, we know that it will be very hard and that we will have to put the same energy as against the All Blacks, to beat the Pumas.
Don't you fear a certain relaxation, after the great victory against New Zealand?
No. The objective is still not validated. […] The Pumas are just behind us in the World Rugby rankings, we know the talent of the Argentine players from playing alongside them regularly in the Top 14. It is therefore not a team that we take lightly: we know the energy they have will put on each of the groupings, on each of the actions… They have an enormous character.
You had disappeared from the radar a little, before returning to the French team against the All Blacks. How did you experience it?
I didn't take it well at first but I realized that I had to continue to progress and move forward. There are players emerging in all positions. You have to accept it, be patient and fight to return to the highest level.
You were very emotional before the last match. For what ?
It represented a lot of joy, happiness. The French XV has been a goal since I was very young. After a year of waiting, being able to retouch this jersey was wonderful.
Did you dread your return to the international scene last Saturday?
I had a handsome client in front of me (Caleb Clarke. 1.90m and 110kg). I had rarely seen such a solid winger. There was adrenaline, yes. But no apprehension.
Your return to the French team also came about depending on each other's injuries. How did you experience it?
It's an opportunity, that's all. This is also how I took my first steps in this team during covid. I know how it goes and you just have to accept it. There are always opportunities presenting themselves. You have to know how to take them.
