The coach of the XV of France spoke, this Tuesday, of the new charter governing the living environment of his players, the return of Dupont, the Ramos-Jalibert duel to compensate for Ntamack’s package…
When did you present the new Commitment Charter, publicly revealed this Tuesday, to your players?
Last week during the selection of the 42. By a quick questionnaire with a yes or no answer. And everyone said yes. It’s quite simple for us.
Were these new rules on the living environment necessary?
Yes. It is a logical and coherent evolution in relation to what happened (this summer during the tour in Argentina, Editor’s note). It’s good for us.
Did you give your players too much freedom?
I understand your interest in this subject. We’ve thought about it a lot over the past four months. But the past is behind us. There is a before and an after Mendoza. We’re on our way to the next part. What interests us now is this autumn tour and our vision three years from now to the World Cup in Australia. This is our supreme motivation.
As a manager, have you thought about your responsibility in these events?
I think about it before each competition. I do not shy away from the requirement. There are always areas for improvement. It’s clearly one in anticipation, preparation, competition. We are at 79% victories in five years. This factor will take us to a sporting level.
In the event of dismissal at the end of the week, could Jegou and Auradou be recalled to the French team?
This will be discussed with the president of the Federation (Florian Grill) and Jean-Marc (Lhermet, vice-president of the FFR in charge of the French teams). It is clear that they have made a firm decision at the moment: they are not selectable.
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XV of France: restriction of alcohol consumption, tests on the use of narcotics… the new charter signed by the Blues
“Antoine Dupont as new captain, a simple decision to make”
On the sporting side, you finally find Antoine Dupont, a year after his last selection…
Antoine, today, is the French rugby player who has achieved many exceptional things. He comes back a year later with the captaincy and we are very happy about it. How very happy we are to meet again and leave for three matches at the Stade de France. We have an appointment with the marvelous this November. In ever-improving conditions, in the pursuit of performance, with more intense demands. That’s what we like.
Giving him back the captaincy happened naturally?
We always take care to discuss with the players and the team executives to make thoughtful, discussed, shared decisions. So simple decisions to make. The method is very clear, it is based on shared and collective reflection. For an obvious choice.
Is Romain Ntamack definitely out of this tour?
Having spoken with him, with his manager, Ugo Mola, with the doctors at Stade Toulousain and the French team, we will take the time to follow the protocols linked to this muscular injury in an area close to the Achilles tendon. . For the moment, Romain is in care. Deadlines are very short. He may not be able to join us next week. Then we’ll see. But I can’t say definitively that he’s out. We will take the time, there is no urgency, there are other competitions, the Tournament in January. Romain is very disappointed, we are very disappointed, but it is the law of sport.
“The team performed last March with Thomas Ramos at the opening. He is therefore a candidate »
Fabien Galthié
Where are you in your thinking between Ramos and Jalibert to compensate for his misdeed?
(Smile) I can see that there is a debate. The last Tournament ended with Ramos in position 10 against the Welsh in Cardiff for an improved victory, then a success against England in Lyon. The team performed with him at the opening. He is therefore a candidate. Matthieu plays regularly with us, he has a lot of experience, he performs with the UBB… They are two players with great potential. We will take the time. But you read the chasubles, I trust you (smile).
Can the altercation which took place a few months ago between Jalibert and Alldritt in Top 14 weigh in the balance?
(Surprised) There is no problem between Matthieu and Grégory…
What do you expect from this tour with the return of the “premium” players exempt from the one in Argentina this summer?
We really, really want to play rugby, to wear the French team jersey at the Stade de France. We are focused on this project. It’s our passion, that’s all we think about. Among the 42 players selected, there is a large contingent of new players and everyone wants to give their best. We are all very happy to share these preparation times. We enjoy every moment.
Comments collected at a press conference
