A sober, quiet first period, without overdoing it. Then, Matthieu Jalibert accelerated, let go, and offered a nice kick to Gabin Villière the third try of the big victory of the XV of France against Australia (41-17). A last successful preparation match for the Blues and its opening half, aligned at the start of the tricolor team after Romain Ntamack’s package for the World Cup. On Sunday, the Bordelais did everything to start her as a starter against the All Blacks on September 8 in the remote match which pits her against the other opener in the group, Antoine Hastoy.
What do you remember from this great success against Australia?
MATTHEW JALIBERT. Lots of positives. We end this preparation with a great victory. We were a little soft in the first half, we had trouble putting on the intensity we wanted to put on. There were a lot of mistakes, the game was choppy. It was raining a little, we had to adapt to the ball. But in the second half, we increased in intensity and we rectified things. Physically, we are really good. The preparation was very hard, but we need it to start the World Cup strong.
Preparation pays off?
We felt it there, but we feel it during the weeks of training. We are able to chain efforts, long distances. We feel better and better, and the peak of performance is supposed to arrive very soon. It shows in our game.
Did you let go more in the second half?
It was an unbridled game, with more spaces. They made a lot of mistakes defensively, and that gave us a lot of possibilities in attack. Afterwards when you move forward, it’s always easier to play rugby. We have set up an airy game, which we have been working on since the start of preparation.
How do you analyze your personal performance?
I felt good, like the team. A first half in management, trying to stay within the frame. In the second half, I necessarily freed myself a little more with this more unbridled game. I am satisfied. It’s a full match, and we’re happy.
How do you live the fact of finding yourself put forward since the injury of Romain Ntamack?
Rather calmly. It’s very sad for Romain. He was a very important player for the team so inevitably, it made a lot of noise. But we are in a four-year cycle with Antoine (Dupont). We work well, we had playing time, we started matches together. There are automatisms, we did not get to know each other this week. We are ready. Unfortunately, the World Cup is that. We may still have breakage. The substitutes, those outside the group of 23 and even the players outside the list of 33 must be ready to wear the shirt and perform.
Do you consider yourself a starter now?
I stopped asking myself these kinds of questions. I try to prove myself, to answer present, and the choices will be made during the week. But I was keen to show that I could last 80 minutes, to stay in what we were working on without leaving the frame. I also reassured myself, I hope to have shown a positive image.
What do you think of the correction received by the All Blacks (7-35) against South Africa on Friday?
They were in trouble. It’s difficult to make an observation, but we must not get the wrong idea of this match. It remains a preparation meeting, I am convinced that they will offer a completely different face on September 8th. The All Blacks are still a great team who are used to these competitions and who always respond. We have a lot of respect for this team, we will prepare for the match in the best possible way.
Will they be revengeful?
I think they took a slap. Media-wise, it’s going to be complicated for them. They will be revengeful and show another image, also with the defeat suffered here in November 2021. It will be a great game, and both teams will be level.
