The series Mixed destinies of the XV of France continues with the week of preparation for the last match of the Blues against Australia before the world.
The XV of France began its last week of preparation on August 20 for the match at the Stade de France against Australia. A Sunday that began with the announcement of the list of 33 players for the World Cup. Between disappointment and relief, the Blues then shared a last meal together. Proof once again the very good atmosphere that reigns within the group.
A convivial moment, even if the disappointment was present for certain elements like Baptiste Serin, Brice Dulin or even Émilien Gailleton who already regrets his teammate with the U20 Louis Bielle-Biarrey: “ He’ll stay ready no matter what, but hey, it sure feels weird “. Unlike the Palois, the Bordelais was finally retained by the coach despite his age.
In the Landes for a final training camp, the players obviously analyzed their match against the Fijians with a focus by Jérôme Garcès on the discipline and attitudes of the Habs in the rucks. As we know, discipline will be essential during the competition. Especially during cleaver matches that could be played out on details.
Work with the essential former referee according to Louis Bielle-Biarrey: “ Jérôme is very important to us. I think the France team has turned a corner on discipline. »
An internship marked by the reunion between the Taofifenua brothers, with little brother Sébastien, recalled by Fabien Galthié following Cyril Baille’s package. Two brothers who will finally be on the bench to face the Wallabies following the announcement of the composition by Raphaël Ibanez.
Sunday, match day against the Wallabies. Between the final preparations, the speech of Fabien Galthié and Antoine Dupont to motivate the troops, the Marseillaise intoned by the Blues at the Stade de France and the best moments of the meeting. Note the (rare) speech of La Rochelle pillar Uini Atonio on the intensity to put in the mauls and in the rucksand captain Antoine Dupont at half-time: “ We must put more intensity and be master of what we do. »
Message well received by the scrum-half teammates who scored 3 tries in the second half to win with a score of 41 to 17. An encouraging success and moments that leave presage a memorable World Cup for the supporters as well as for the Tricolores.
