XV of France: “We didn’t throw everything in the trash,” warns François Cros

In Marcoussis

How are you feeling, mentally and physically?

François Cros: For my part, things are going very well. Obviously, there was disappointment after the World Cup but I want to participate in this Tournament to turn the page. To leave on a blank copy with full of intentions and desire to do well.

And a sense of revenge?

Revengeful no, we are not facing South Africa. But we want to bounce back and return to victory. It's good to have Ireland back, who were also battered at the World Cup. It's a match that everyone is waiting for.

With changes to be expected in the strategy of the XV of France?

We saw a few situations that failed us during the quarter-final against the Springboks. We work to limit dangerous situations, to expose ourselves less, to be a little more organized. Certainly Ireland will also adapt two or three things in their game. Even if we know that the Irish like organization and regularity.

The staff has three new members. Does this change much?

There are obviously small changes. But we didn't throw everything in the trash, we kept everything that worked. We just put more precision and detail where it needs to be added. But we continue with the same project, improving it. It is important to get back on the ground with our structures.

Grégory Alldritt benefited from a break of more than two months after the World Cup. Do you understand this need to take a break?

''Greg'' had pulled on the rope a lot. He arrived at the end of the World Cup physically and mentally worn out. He needed to cut it out and I feel like it did him a lot of good. He was able to recover, release frustration and regenerate.

Are you jealous?I'm not jealous no. It's an individual situation. Each person has different needs... The schedule is extremely busy, that's a fact. What I would like is for everyone to be free to rest or move on. Case by case. Peato (Mauvaka), for example, felt the need to play again as soon as possible after the World Cup... But, compared to clubs who need their internationals, I know it's complicated. There is a balance, a scale to find.

Grégory Alldritt was named captain. Does this change the way it works?

''Greg'' has always been an important leader. He already had a real weight on our team. It's natural that he gets the armband. But there is no difference from the Greg before. It's always the same person.

Anthony Jelonch's package seems to guarantee you a starting place...

I am very sad for Anthony, someone important to me. His injury saddened me a lot. We will miss him, here but also at the club. He didn't deserve to go through this again. I can't be happy that he's not here. On the contrary. I would rather have him with us.

For four years, you have often been associated, in the third row, with Alldritt and Ollivon. Continuing this association is a guarantee of cohesion? We have the advantage of knowing each other well and living well together, yes. Everyone knows the strengths and weaknesses of others. It helps a lot, we don't ask any questions on the ground.

A word about Posolo Tuilagi, who participated this Thursday in his first session with the French XV as a training partner.

This is a rare profile. There aren't many players with his size and power. It won't be long until he's with us. We saw him in training, he has a lot of power. It can be a great weapon for us. He is very young and he will have a bright future.

Comments collected at a press conference