XV of France: “version 2” of the Galthié staff rehearses its scales before the Tournament

“Training to train.” A habit that Fabien Galthié had established as soon as he took office. And which he perpetuates with a partially renewed staff, with newcomers at international level: Patrick Arlettaz (attack) who succeeded Laurent Labit, Laurent Sempéré (forwards) successor to Karim Ghezal and Nicolas Jeanjean, who became physical trainer in chief after the departure of Thibault Giroud at UBB. Habits to adopt, automatisms to create, a methodology to apply. “There are not many changes. We are on a path of continuity, says William Servat, who has retained his position as assistant in charge of the forwards. The results of the last four years have been very positive and we will build on them. We face the future with enthusiasm. It would have been stupid to break with what was in place.”

This Tuesday, on the main field of the CNR of Marcoussis, the “version 2” of Fabien Galthié’s staff therefore rehearsed its ranges by participating in a “U20 development” training session, the antechamber of the under-age team. 20 years old, joined by the Espoirs of the neighboring club of Massy. Training was scheduled for the afternoon, but it was ultimately postponed to the early evening, because several young Massicois who are leading a double project were retained at the university for their studies. It was therefore around 6 p.m. that the Blues staff led this training. Like the one that took place last week at Pic-Saint-Loup (Hérault).

“Everything is rhythmic, timed, you have to be concentrated, precise”, confides the young Robin Taccola, who plays in Vannes (Pro D2), very happy to benefit from the advice and expertise of the technicians of the XV of France. And added: “It was very enriching. We don't experience this every day: meetings are longer, days more intense. It’s still a notch above compared to the U20s.” The players, divided into three groups, were able to work on their speed with Nicolas Jeanjean, their attitudes on the ground and in the rucks with Shaun Edwards and their attack launches under the decibels of Patrick Arlettaz. All with the usual drone which filmed the entire session.

Also read: XV of France: Atonio and Taofifenua who continue, “a very good thing” according to Servat

If the disappointment of South Africa's elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup is still very much present in many minds, the Blues have no time to think about it. The next Six Nations Tournament will arrive quickly, from February 2, with an explosive clash against Ireland, surely also frustrated at having been blackballed in the quarters by the All Blacks. For now, “we have not yet discussed the selection. There are several meetings that are determined in December for this,” says Patrick Arlettaz.

The first meeting of the French XV will not take place on the field, but off it with, on Wednesday December 13, the renegotiation of the agreement which binds the Federation and the League concerning the provision of internationals. During his first mandate, Galthié had - a first for a French coach - the privilege of being able to prepare for his deadlines with 42 players. Will it be the same in the future? Will the good harmony between the FFR and the LNR continue? This would be on track, according to RMC. It will then be time to compose the first French group of 2024. Asked about Antoine Dupont's current poor form, Servat came to his captain's support: “To say that Antoine is a normal person is reductive. He’s a very great player who’s coming back into the competition, that’s all.” The fact remains that certain globalists seem (logically) to be marking time, and that other potential internationals are showing up, such as the Toulonnais Esteban Abadie or the Parisian Léo Barré.

“The selection committee will meet next week,” confirms William Servat. We have small ideas, next week we will already start to have an orientation for the France team. History of resuming the beautiful march forward which had stopped suddenly against the Boks. With change in continuity. The staff, in any case, has already taken the lead, learning to work together. So as not to be discovered at the next Blues gathering. “It’s well-oiled when we no longer need to talk. Coaches are the only way to work, underlines Arlettaz. Comfort does not always lead to idleness. Comfort is from time to time something effective for good learning.”