The winger of the XV of France spoke, this Tuesday, of his return to Blue after a year of absence and the last shock of the tour, against the Pumas, Friday evening at the Stade de France.
How did you experience your return to the French team, Saturday against the All Blacks, after a year of absence?
Gabin Villière. It represented a lot of joy and happiness, obviously. The French team has been a goal since I was very young and, after a year of waiting, being able to wear this jersey, what's more against the All Blacks, these are very strong moments, filled with emotion, with the Marseillaise, the haka…
And how did you live this year without selection (the last against Uruguay during the 2023 World Cup, Editor’s note ) ?
I didn't take it very well at first. But, little by little, I matured. I accepted that players were emerging. This is what makes our group strong. You have to accept it, deal with it and surpass yourself. With time and maturity, I realized that I had to continue to progress and move forward. You just have to be patient and never stop fighting to get back to the highest level.
The Penaud and Attisogbe packages allowed you to seize this opportunity…
This is how I took my first steps in blue, during the Covid period. So I'm in a good position to know how it goes. You have to accept it, give everything for the group and be ready to seize opportunities.
It still stings a little physically. Opposite, Saturday evening, there were beautiful animals…
Were you nervous before this match?
I had a very handsome client in front of me (Caleb Clarke, 1,90 m, 110 kg, NDLR), I have rarely seen such a solid winger. I had prepared myself, with a little more excitement and adrenaline because they were the All Blacks opposite. But without feeling any apprehension, I was driven by something positive.
A meeting during which, like all your teammates, you defended more than attacked…
Defense is as good as offense. It was she who allowed us to take the upper hand and win by a small point. It is this state of mind that allows us to compete with the biggest teams. It requires a very big commitment.
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XV of France: a successful test of character against the All Blacks
Three days after this shock, how do you feel physically?
It always stings a little. In front, they were beautiful animals (smile). But, we have everything we need to recover in Marcoussis and, after two days (of treatment), things are better. This match was tough but we are slowly starting to recover.
What do you expect on Friday night against Argentina?
We will have to use the same intensity as against the All Blacks. For several years, the Argentines have been competing with the biggest teams and they are coming out of a big Rugby Championship (feat in New Zealand, home victories against Australia and the South African world champions, Editor's note). We know it's going to be very hard. So, yes, we will have to put the same energy into it.
We respect our opponent a lot. We don't take it lightly. There are many Argentines playing in the Top 14, we know their talent…
Is there a risk of slackening after beating the All Blacks?
No ! It's the end of the tour, the last test. We want to finish well, the objective of three victories has still not been validated. And we respect our opponent a lot. We don't take it lightly. There are many Argentines playing in the Top 14, we know their talent, and they are just behind us in the world rankings (4e against 5e).
In fact, you meet them in clubs. What is unique about Argentine players?
The character already. We know they're not going to give up. They will be present on every ruck, every tackle every reception of the 1re in the 80se minute. Their biggest strength is never giving up. This character brings them a lot and defines them well. And, of course, they have rugby behind them.
Are you in a hurry to be there on Friday evening to once again enjoy the exceptional enthusiasm of the Stade de France?
When we see the stadium full… We feel all these people behind us, who believe in us. For several years now. It's great and it pushes us to offer them this kind of match. We feel this support all the time and it’s really nice. It’s great to see our sport and our team highlighted in this way.
Comments collected at a press conference
