The former second row of the French XV, Yoann Maestri, is convinced that the Blues can finally win their first World Cup in the years to come. In an interview with The Teamhe draws inspiration from the words of the legendary Martin Johnson to illustrate the journey of the French, comparing their current trajectory to that of the English champions in 2003.
« There's a guy who said something very brilliant a year ago. Like a sort of prediction. I think it was Martin Johnson: “We made the World Cup in 1999, we weren't ready, too much pressure at home… We went to Australia in 2003, we were ready. We were far from home, there was singing in the stadium, and we won.” Well, it was nothing with Wilkinson's drop. But he saw a bit of the same thing for the France team. “, says Maestri, emphasizing how valuable the experience of 2023 could be for the Blues in three years.
A team that is gaining maturity
For Maestri, this generation of players, with Antoine Dupont at the forefront, has gained maturity over the matches. “They had prepared the thing, but there was a young team in quotes. In 2027, they will have four more years of experience. If you manage to have the best players on the field, of course you will be in the contenders“, recalls the former Blue, convinced that this development will make all the difference.
However, the road will not be without obstacles. Maestri warns that South Africa, winners of the last two World Cups, will remain a serious opponent.
“I thought they were going to party for ten years after the double. But in fact, the Boks have a huge pool with guys who go at 3000 an hour, strong guys, they have everything. I don't know if it will last another three years. But when you see the matches of their franchises in Europe, they are scary.“
Antoine Dupont, between talent and popularity
Maestri also observes the rise in popularity of Antoine Dupont. His talent and charisma have made him an icon. With humor, he adds: “If France wins, he will soon be at Michel Drucker's every Sunday… He will end up at the Ministry of Sports!“
This look from Maestri, experienced and lucid, underlines both the hopes and the challenges of the XV of France. If the road is still long, the Blues have the necessary assets to reach their Holy Grail in 2027. In the meantime, supporters can dream of this day when French rugby will finally engrave its name at the top of the world.
