Are you relieved after this victory that leaves you alive in the maintenance race?
No. I am proud of the guys. They made a good week and a funny match, in commitment, resilience. Even tactically, I don't have the feeling that we made a lot of mistakes. Being able to go and score 33 points in the rain, at 14 and in a match with as much stake, it is a hell of a performance that values our work and our convictions.
It's part of the game. Mako had a little alert already this (Saturday) morning, so we were able to anticipate and recall Thomas (Moukoro) to take a seat on the bench. As for the red card, it is logical, there is no discussion. We have to master our defensive pressure more. From there, we had to adapt our strategy, which has not evolved enormously, because the weather conditions made that we had to remain very connected to the ball carrier, use the game at the foot and trigger power reports in the Direct conquest. So that hasn't really changed our game plan. It could have put us in trouble if the opponent had really accelerated the game and worked on the width, but that was not the case.
Is it the least inhibited team that won?
We had prepared not to be afraid. It was a crucial match, but not a fear of fear for us. No matter the time of the season, we stay in our scheme. We didn't want to fall into a small arm rugby. We have convictions and also certainties.
“We especially do not want to be a team that has gone up or lacking in ambitions”.
Is it a regret to leave them the defensive bonus at the end of the match?
Yes and no. It was necessary to type this last penalty. It's always a little risk, but the players made the decision themselves. It means that they do not give up and that they think they are always in the battle. I can only follow them.
-Can this victory relaunch you in the maintenance race?
It may be just delaying the deadline, but whatever. We also want to leave an inheritance for this first season in Top 14. We especially do not want to be a team that will have gone up or lacking in ambitions. Maintaining would be a feat, we are still not eliminated, but beyond that, we want to leave a very positive image of the team.
Holidays after this long block of ten games are still promising better?
Yes, for sure, it will do everyone good. It's hard to play for a staff, even if you are prepared for it, because it is a permanent questioning. This requires a colossal investment and a lot of cohesion to relay the same message every week and keep the group mobilized and united.
