Rugby World Cup: Should we bring back the French Model XV against Namibia?
Will the Blues find the North in the South? Chaotic, distracted, angry and triumphant in the agony of Uruguay (27-12) Thursday in Villeneuve d’Ascq, Fabien Galthie’s men should theoretically pick themselves up again after seven days, Thursday 21 September (21 hours) against Namibia in Marseille. If Los Terros are spicier than expected, the Namibians, who were beaten by the Italians last Saturday (52-8) and then by the All Blacks on Friday evening (71-3), risk arriving in Fukien somewhat battered. But above all, Tricolores should not present the same profile.
The almost universal change in Villeneuve-Dask, imposed by the near victory over the New Zealanders in the opening of the World Cup (27-13 on September 8), no longer has any reason to exist. The executives will return and their mission will be to erase this hiccup that made some people cringe within the Blues staff because it was so unexpected. “We must immediately restore order and restore a more organized spine, even if it means, depending on the progress of the match, having to exit somewhat early if the work is done,” emphasized our advisor Pierre Berbizier, former coach of Barcelona. Blues. These players were able to recover from the shock against New Zealand. Since the staff controls playing times and training times through data, I think it is not supernatural to make them play 50 minutes or more against Namibia. »
“There is nothing better than competition to keep the rhythm.”
Fabien Galthier and his deputies had already planned for the return of the number 1. The only question is: in what proportion? “For me, there are no questions to ask,” confirms Pierre Philippereau, former coach of the French XV team with Jean-Claude Skrilla. It is absolutely necessary to field a typical lineup against Namibia so that it does not lose its balance. Players need to compete, alternating between difficult and easier matches. At this particular time they can work on their automated devices. We can’t wait for Italy on October 6, that will be a month without playing for some, that’s too much. » The risk will be the lack of a league against Transalpines who will probably play their qualifiers against the Blues.
“There is nothing better than competition to maintain the rhythm,” confirms Benjamin del Moral, a physical trainer in Montpellier. It’s not a formality issue because there are high-intensity training sessions for that, but in terms of detail, adjustments and automation, a training session will never replace a match. And then it depends on each person. Some big, highly experienced players, like Antoine Dupont or Gregory Alldrete, are able to bounce back after several weeks of non-playing, while others need a lot of playing time. Aside from the risk of injury, there are no obstacles to arranging matches, on the contrary. »
This is exactly the only obstacle that might prompt French employees to ask questions. If Jonathan Dante is fit now and Cyril Bailly is close to that, losing Roman Ntamack in preparation against Scotland, and losing hooker Julian Marchand who was injured against New Zealand (he had to test on Saturday to see if he can hope to) play again in competition), proving that a match is always a high-stakes moment.
“We are facing opponents with a Sudav mentality,” Pierre Berbisier continues. “There will be some tough contacts, but that’s the game.” We have to accept that part of the risk which, in the end, seems to me less important than leaving the team stuck in doubts after the match against Uruguay. It seems obvious to me to answer the questions as quickly as possible. » This will take place at noon on Tuesday, when Fabian Galti will reveal the composition of the team.
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