Author of a convincing performance on Saturday evening against Japan, Grégory Alldritt beautifully celebrated his fiftieth cap. Satisfied with this good warm-up, the Rochelais knows that the hardest part is ahead of him and the Blues.
What impressions does this first fall release leave you with?
What I want to remember are the two weeks of intensive work in Marcoussis and this first validated stage. That was the main thing. Now, there is a big week ahead with a lot of work to try to put out an even better performance the following weekend and even better the next. We are not fully satisfied with the match. We're very happy but it's only the beginning of the tour. You have to keep a lot of humility and continue to work hard.
You were very relevant and effective offensively…
When we had the ball, we scored very quickly. On the other hand, the rest of the time, it was a big showdown because they held the ball and we had to defend a lot. We finish with a “ball in play” (actual playing time, Editor’s note) at forty-three minutes. It was a great warm-up to start this tour.
What emotions did you go through when you returned to Saint-Denis, a little over a year after the end of the World Cup?
It was exceptional to find the Stade de France even if it was not full, to find the Marseillaise, all the emotions around these international matches, the family who made the trip to Paris, all these extras… This are somewhat special moments, you have to make the most of them every time.
It was all the more special for you as it was your 50th selection, right?
Less than ten years ago, I played in reserve in Federal 1 and never in my life would I have imagined having one. So, it’s true that having fifty of them gave me a little sting. It’s a small symbolic milestone, I’m proud of it. But the number of selections is not an end goal. It’s winning that’s important, bringing home a few trophies.
Have you seen Ireland – New Zealand?
Of course we watched the match. I have the impression that the conditions were complicated but we could see that the Blacks are very strong. Even when undermined, like against England, they ended up winning. This is the mark of great teams, we have been warned.
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XV of France – Exclusive. “We have to grow from this, learn from our mistakes”: Grégory Alldritt launches the fall tour
However, they were announced to be moribund after a disappointing Rugby Championship…
Even during the World Cup, everyone buried them from the group matches. I announced that we had to be wary of it. They may also have had to digest their lost final against the Boks. They left with a new coach, it’s another cycle. They have matured after around ten matches and they arrive with confident rugby.
The France – New Zealand of Fabien Galthié’s first mandate was a turning point. This one also looks like a tipping point, right?
Yes, I hope so. I remember that it was the first time that I had seen the Stade de France in that state, in a trance, with a fantastic audience, all the pre-match entertainment… It had really been a discovery. I hope it will be the same next weekend.
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