Thibaud Flament: “It was hard to see the French XV in difficulty”

In Marcoussis

His return to the French team. “I missed it, yes, I missed rugby in general. It was good for me to start again with Stade Toulousain last weekend and it’s always a pleasure to come back here.”

His injury “It did me good in the end. At first, it was frustrating to be injured when I was keen to play for a club again. Secondly, I found it pretty cool. I had free time on weekends, I could rest. I was able to do other things and it was refreshing. The final straight, on the other hand, I couldn't wait to get back on the ground. It was impatience.”

His state of form “I had good feelings on Saturday against Castres and I feel good in training. But there is only the truth on the ground to know that.”

The last matches of the French I've been getting used to it for a few years and it's always worked well. That’s weird..."

A group plagued by doubt? “No, not so much. Frankly, the group is still going strong, there is very good cohesion. And, on the pitch, I found the same sensations as during the World Cup. It works well.”

Also read: Six nations: which French XV to face Wales?

His opinion on Meafou and Tuilagi “To be honest, I didn't have the opportunity to play against Posolo. But I saw his matches during the U20 World Cup where he was enormously powerful. ''Manny'', I've been around him for several years. In the club, I love playing with him. I like him on a human level and he is a very good rugby player. I really enjoy playing alongside him. We are complementary. But he's not just powerful. He is quite mobile and athletic for his size. With Posolo, they have many points in common, power but also their ability to play after contact.

Comments collected at a press conference