Author of a double against Japan, Louis Bielle-Biarrey wanted above all to highlight the seriousness and quality of the performance of his team, which managed to create differences with the ball. The Bordeaux winger is also aware that the mission will be much more perilous against New Zealand.
What is your feeling after this big victory to launch the tour?
We are very happy. Very happy to have found our friends, the Stade de France, our supporters and to have won largely even if there were some inaccuracies, especially in the second half. They will have to be erased for the match against the Blacks.
We imagine you are very happy with your double, too…
Yes, it’s sure that it’s always nice to score. When I have the opportunity to score, obviously I try to seize it but I don’t make it an obsession either. I am especially pleased with the fact that we found ourselves well offensively and also defensively.
Do you feel, collectively, a greater desire to hold the ball and look for outside areas?
Yes, it’s certain that with the new refereeing guidelines, we have a game that is more focused on the offensive. We changed our game system a little bit in attack and defense. This evening, we felt pretty good but it will have to be even better in a week because it will be a step above. We won’t have as many chances next week.
The use of kicking was particularly effective. Was this the plan?
We have always sought to use kicking as a weapon to get out of our camp but also to provide offensive solutions. This time, in addition, we had the rebounds with us.
Can we say that this meeting served as ideal preparation, precisely, for the match against New Zealand?
We faced a very good team from Japan but, indeed, next week, it will be very superior. We know that New Zealanders are very fit. They are coming off two big away victories against two very good teams. They are in place offensively, they have a particular kicking game strategy. It’s going to be an interesting meeting.
How did you approach this return to the Stade de France, a year after the end of your World Cup?
We had already returned to the same hotel as the World Cup hotel… It was a bit strange but I think everyone has more or less moved on. We want to move forward: we are no longer looking at 2023, we are really focused on 2027.
Senegal
