With his two selections in the last Six Nations Tournament, the 21-year-old full-back Léo Barré is almost an experienced player in a group that includes 23 players who have never been capped. Here, he talks about his first steps in Argentina and looks ahead to the first test against the Pumas, Saturday in Mendoza.
Are you dreading these two test matches against Argentina?
This is a team that was a semi-finalist in the last World Cup, that is full of confidence, that is also building with a lot of young people. We know that we are going to have a tough fight. We also know that when this team plays at home, in front of its fans, it is formidable.
Unlike many players here, you have some experience with the French team. Does that change anything for you?
For my part, this is only my first tour, I still have stars in my eyes. I am really very happy to be back with the group, but I can’t say that I am one of the guys who have experience. I joined the group during the Tournament (he started against Wales and England at the back, Editor’s note)which was a great experience for me. And today, it’s just fun.
Do you feel like you have everything to gain from this tour?
Yes, it’s obvious. It’s a necessarily positive experience to come back to the club. An experience on and off the field that is very rich. I just want to live in the moment and enjoy every moment.
Baptiste Serin is the most experienced player in this group. What does he bring to you?
He brings a lot of serenity to the three-quarter line where we are very young. He has already had many selections, experienced several tours with the XV of France. And he is precious because he transmits his serenity to us.
Was it difficult for you to switch to this tour after the defeat in the Top 14 semi-final against UBB?
The day after the semi-final when I arrived in Marcoussis, I still had the match in my head. In fact, I still have it today. Now, it’s a very special feeling, very strange, because there is satisfaction in joining the French XV for a tour and disappointment in having missed the opportunity to play in a final. Finishing the season this way with my club made me sad. But I still “switched” quite easily, the staff helped me to switch.
Argentinian stadiums have a reputation for being hot. Have you talked about it among yourselves?
No, not too much, but we got some pictures of the stadiums where we’re going to play in Mendoza or Buenos Aires. We know that the atmosphere will be special but we haven’t talked about it too much.
