The Toulouse third row admits that, since 2020, this golden generation has not won enough titles. And evokes the “natural” return of Jegou and Auradou to the France group.
This French XV, considered a golden generation, has won few trophies, only one Grand Slam in 2022. Do you feel any pressure from that side?
François Cros: It is certain that we would like to have a more extensive list of achievements. But that's up to us. We are on the ground, it is up to us to make the necessary efforts for this. We have a group that lives well, that plays well, now we have to make it happen. Honestly, we don't think twice about it. The results are not achieved because these trophies are missing. But, I say it again, the group works well and plays good matches. It must now be validated with a title.
Do the excellent results of French clubs in the Champions Cup increase the confidence of the French XV?
It builds confidence on a personal level, yes. But these are completely different competitions. We know the energy we have to put into selection. After our 80 points with Toulouse against Leicester on Sunday, many made the comparison with the upcoming England-France. But that has nothing to do with it! You don't have to get carried away. Certainly, we have confident players who perform well at club. It's up to us to create a French team with the same confidence and success on the pitch. We are aware that this campaign, with three trips, will not be easy.
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You will start against the opponent who is not the strongest, Wales, who is moreover at home.
It's good to receive. Afterwards, you have to be wary of an opponent who, on paper, seems a little diminished. Wales had a complicated 2024 (12 defeats in as many matches, Editor’s note) and they will be keen to get back on their feet. The words of their coach have been strong for several days… We are preparing for all scenarios. In any case, we know that we have to be ready and at our best level from the start. To start in the best possible way and gain maximum confidence for the future.
Oscar (Jegou) and Hugo (Ayradou) want to move forward, to put this story behind them.
-How did the return of Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou take place?
Everything happened naturally. They want to move forward, to put this story behind them. We welcomed them like any other member of the group. They are full members.
Have you received instructions to support them, supervise them, a little more than others?
No. This episode made us all grow up. We have all become aware of the responsibilities we have and the risks we run towards outsiders. We already knew it, but we became even more aware of it after this affair.
There are also newcomers to the group, like RCT winger Gaël Dréan…
It's always nice to see new faces. It energizes the group, it provides stimulation that is our strength.
Comments collected at a press conference
