“He is one of the best players in the world in his position”

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After his injury to the iliac crest and his premature exit (32^e) against Japan, Thibaud Flament should hold its place well and be holder against the All Blacks, Saturday November 16 (9:10 p.m.) at the Stade de France. The Toulouse second row (27 caps) confided his admiration for one of the upcoming opponents: “He is one of the best players in the world in his position”. Quite a respect from Flament.

Thibaud Flament impressed

On the pitch of the Stade de France on Saturday, Thibaud Flament will cross paths with Scott Barrett. The two second rows were already face to face during the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup won by France (27-13).

“Barrett had a very big World Cup. Personally, he impressed me against us. He is a very great player and a very good leader,” confided the 27-year-old Frenchman regarding his 31-year-old counterpart.

L’indiscipline de Scott Barrett

Titled multiple times with the Crusaders, Scott Barrett (78 caps) is one of New Zealand's experienced executives. A true spearhead in physical commitment, the second of the Barrett brothers is nevertheless regularly sanctioned.

During the preparation and during the World Cup, the current New Zealand captain received a red card and a yellow card. “He is often on the verge of fault. It’s also a strength,” recognized Thibaud Flament, who immediately qualified: “It’s also up to us to question it and make it doubtful.”

XV of France: focus on the scrum

The Blues will also have to make the All Blacks doubt their winning phases. Scott Robertson's men dominated England and Ireland, particularly in the scrum. A domination carried by the power of their pillars Williams children et Tyrel Lomax.

Asked about this sector of play, Thibaud Flament responded straight away: “We don’t fear them. We have weapons to compete. They are very good in these sectors. We are also very good at it. It’s up to us to trust each other. » The Toulouse resident then qualified his hasty response:

“We are not completely satisfied with our performance in the scrum sector against Japan. We really focused on that this week. We did a little more this week. We worked well and we are “It's well settled. We can't wait to put this in place and play this match, especially in the scrum and the conquest.”

A sign of this important work, the forwards of the XV of France took cover from view to work on the scrum with Laurent Sempéré and William Servat during training this Wednesday, November 13.

Nicolas DENDRI, in Marcoussis

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