Rugby World Cup: the Blues newspaper, the phrase of the day, the number

On the eve of the duel against Uruguay, in Lille on Thursday (9 p.m.), the French XV will carry out the traditional captain's training from 1 p.m. at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in order to get their bearings, many Blues n having never set foot there. A session at the end of which a coach and two players will appear in front of the press.

Tuesday, coach Fabien Galthié revealed the team composition for this second meeting, with twelve changes and the returning Anthony Jelonch promoted to captain.

Composition of the XV of France against Uruguay: Jaminet - Bielle-Biarrey, Vincent, Moefana, Villière - (o) Hastoy, (m) Lucu - Macalou, Jelonch (cap), Boudehent - Taofifenua, Woki - Aldegheri, Bourgarit, Major Substitutes: Mauvaka, Wardi, Falatea, Chalureau, Flament, Cros, Couilloud, Ramos

This Wednesday, a final training session behind closed doors is planned at Villeneuve-d'Ascq, before the traditional pre-match briefing.

“The dream would be to win a match and we would like to have the support of the public, that people appreciate the way we play rugby. It would be a great recognition of the talent of these players,” hopes Patrice Lagisquet, Portugal coach since 2019. Former French international and ex-assistant to Philippe Saint-André at the head of the Blues, the coach of the “Lobos” ( the Wolves) displayed his ambitions, with modesty, at the microphone of RMC Sport. “The other teams are above us with experience, superior organization... It would take a combination of very favorable factors for us to achieve an exploit. But the most important thing is that our team expresses its talent, its enthusiasm for the game. The DNA of Portugal is to create danger from harmless balls, to take initiatives... We sometimes make blunders but the players have the talent to make shots.” First meeting for the Portuguese in Pool C, this Sunday in Nice, against Wales.

In 2023, 12% of tackles made by South Africa's players were so-called "dominant" tackles, the highest total this year of any Tier 1 nation. Currently on 5 wins in a row, their best series since 2021 (7 victories), the Springboks have enough to scare all the teams at this World Cup. A true trademark, their physical power wreaked havoc against Scotland. France and New Zealand, his potential quarter-final opponents, have been warned, the reigning world champion is ready to take everything in his path. Starting with modest Romania, which will stand in its way on Sunday.

Recovery requires, four days separate the last match of the first day Wales-Fiji and the start of the second with France-Uruguay. For followers and supporters, this start to the week lasts forever. But no choice, we will have to get used to these transition periods until October 28, the day of the grand final. The wait is long but it further reinforces the pleasure taken throughout the weekend in front of the television.

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