Imanol Harinordoki: “If you are afraid of the Italians, there is no need to enter the stadium”

The French national team currently lives for two weeks without a match before facing Italy on Friday evening.

I asked via Olympic middayFormer French international Imanol Harinordokoye explained that it was difficult to wait for a long time before the competition resumed. Extracts:

It’s a complex period to manage… The danger is to remain closed off, play the games ten times in your head and eventually lose all nerve impulses. In 2007, we were detained in Marcoussi and did not have the slightest freedom. We have sometimes had a bad experience. […] There, I saw that the players took advantage of their two days off to see their families, go boating and clear their heads…

Recharging your batteries is essential. Not being away from the group and the daily life of competing is another.

Then he talked about the Blues’ upcoming match against Italy, and in particular the Italians’ heavy defeat against the Blacks. Extracts:

I really expected another scenario… For some time, Italy seems to have mastered their theme: they hold the ball, they offer interesting rugby… On Friday evening, this team was nonetheless short of everything: the Italians had not won a single match. Duel, missed tackles, but what I actually liked least was that there was no reaction from them. Honestly, it’s disappointing.

At the same time, he points out that the XV of France should not be afraid of Italy. Extracts:

If you are afraid of the Italians, there is no need to enter the field… To negotiate this next match, you have to take the All Blacks as an example, that is, respect the Italian team and put the points to the end. Last minute. Because on Friday evening, I thought at one point they were going to take 100…

The All Blacks, when you let them play, you set yourself up for that kind of disaster scenario. The Italians were not very aggressive in groups and from there, the rivalry with New Zealand was complicated.

He never fails to praise black people after their performance. Extracts:

The fluidity of their team game, first and foremost. And then, above all, the New Zealand forwards were perfect in alignment: the link-up between the shooter (Cody Taylor) and jumpers (Brody Retallick and Shannon Frizell) was impressive, with balls being hit nearly four meters high… C It was unplayable, It is structured like sheet music. The return of Retallick is undoubtedly a good thing for this group of forwards.

Regarding the participation of small countries in the World Cup, Imanul Harinordokoye is caught between two waters. Extracts:

On the one hand, I wonder what’s the point of playing these matches where two divisions seem to separate the two teams… On the other hand, the World Cup should also make it possible to develop rugby beyond its traditional borders… And then look at the atmosphere that prevails in small country matches : It’s fantastic and makes me think that the World Cup is above all a celebration of rugby, all of rugby…

He also says he is a Springboks fan. Extracts:

South Africans have always been violent. They are at the maximum intensity one is entitled to put on a rugby pitch but today, they have other strings to their bow, including some lovely individuals within the three-quarter line, whether they are called Cheslin Kolbe or Kurt-Lee Arendse.

In conclusion, it brings to mind the return of Antoine Dupont. Extracts:

It’s actually a good thing he’s back in the group. His teammates will be able to rely on his experience and for his part, he will be able to save a few days in his recovery protocol. When you are well surrounded, sometimes miracles happen…

There is no point in Antoine Dupont facing the Italians. The important thing is the quarter.