XV of France – Gaël Fickou on the competition in the center: “I have always had to fight and I will continue to fight”

Previously, we often talked about fear and a beating before the French XV faced the All Blacks. The balance of power seems to have changed…

Yes, for sure. It's 50/50 between us. The All Blacks are very successful and have shown it. But we no longer go there in the same way. […] New Zealand is a team that we love to play and there is always a lot of fervor around this match in our country. It's one of the big matches that the French love.

How do you analyze the return to the forefront of the New Zealanders, recent winners of England then Ireland?

I'm not surprised, given the quality of the squad and the coach (Scott Robertson, Editor's note). It just took a little time for everything to fall into place for them. But we have also exceptional players, in France. It will be a good match between two teams who produce play, who attack a lot. I hope it will work out in our favor once again.

What state of mind is the France group in?

Everyone is alert and no one takes themselves for another: if we relax for a second, we will pay cash against the All Blacks. In recent days, there has also been a focus on the scrum because we were not happy with the results in this sector of the game, against Japan.

How did you experience your first time on the sidelines, last Saturday against Japan?

Okay, it was just a little cold there. It's team life and we can't play every match. Emilien Gailleton, Paul Costes and Yoram Moefana are pushing hard. It puts me in difficulty and that's what I need to be able to get the best out of myself.

The competition is nevertheless quite tough…

I have always been challenged in my career. Before, it was Lamerat, Fofana and so on. I have always had to fight and I will continue to fight. If one day I no longer have the level, I will return home, that's all.

Physically, how do you feel? You have done a lot in recent weeks with Racing 92…

I feel very good. I'm in good shape. Here, I sleep well and recover. So I think I will arrive with a lot of freshness against New Zealand. Having played twenty minutes, I have less fatigue, fewer blows… When you play eighty minutes, it's harder to leave.

Also read:
XV of France – The underside of the return to the forefront of Gaël Fickou, announced as starter on Saturday against New Zealand

At the end of training, Wednesday, Antoine Dupont was tried at the opening. What do you think?

Antoine rarely plays number 10 but he is complete, I'm not worried. If it happens against the All Blacks, we will have to defend well together and have as many connections as possible in the middle of the field. But Antoine obviously has the qualities to play in all positions.

Are you resistant to the Haka?

We respect the Haka but we are not afraid. We're just going to play a rugby match, it's not war. When you're young it's intimidating but now I'm waiting for it to happen and for the match to start.