The fall test season starts this Saturday for the French XV, with a first meeting against Japan. For this new chapter, the French staff, led by Fabien Galthié, made significant decisionslike the provision of Charles Ollivon and Maxime Lucu for their clubs. William Servat, co-coach in charge of the conquest, spoke to Midi Olympique to shed light on these strategic choices.
A new season, new goals
The staff is well aware of the expectations after a year of post-World Cup transition. “ We are coming out of a somewhat difficult start to our mandateexplains William Servat. A post-World Cup year with a non-match against Ireland to start […] an exceptional performance on the field. The rest, as you know, nothing was easy… » Between new players like Tatafu and other rising stars, Servat and the French staff are now seeking to consolidate a group which remains ambitious and resilient.
Keeping DNA while evolving
Faithful to the strong identity of the XV of France, the staff wishes to preserve the DNA of the team without drastic upheavals. “ Our identity is strong and striking. The results prove it: 80% victories are no laughing mattern,” specifies Servat. Even if profiles like that of Alexandre Roumat replace executives such as Ollivon, it is more about continuity and adjustments than radical changes.
For Servat, the World Cup left its mark on the players, both physically and morally, and these choices take into account each person's state of form. “ Charles is a player who counts for the XV of France and who will always count, » he insists. But he adds: “ We have to be fair to our players. »
Give young talents a chance
By sending certain executives back to their clubs, the staff opens the door to young talents. Elements like the Toulouse Paul Costes or the Lyonnais Mickaël Guillard gradually integrated the group. “ Tours always give the opportunity for boys to emerge », notes Servat, recalling the examples of Jelonch or Barlot in 2021. In this perspective, the 2027 objective is already in sight.
The choices made are also linked to the form of the moment. We therefore do not necessarily have the desire to change, but rather to preserve our DNA and develop it. We have a duty to be fair and transparent with our players, as important as they are. Only, I can tell you that some young people impressed us, whether in terms of data or simply rugby-wise during this first week of work.
For the XV of France, it is also a question of balance between the needs of the group and the agreements with the clubswhich implies concessions. “ Two years ago, we could keep 28 players; today, only 23, » he emphasizes, welcoming the cooperation with the clubs.
The XV of France therefore begins this autumn tour with a look at both the present and the futurewhile remaining faithful to its identity and its values. For Servat, it is about embodying this accuracy in the management of the group, to ensure the success of a new generation while honoring the pillars of French rugby.
