Delighted to be able to return to the field against Namibia, Thursday evening in Marseille, the opener of the XV of France Matthieu Jalibert insists on the importance of winning the four group matches and welcomes the return of Jonathan Danty at the center of the attack .
Is the goal of the match against Namibia to find more continuity in your offensive possessions?
It’s all about winning first. The objective is to win our four group matches. We managed to win two with the content which I’ll let you judge. Overall, we try to go out every weekend with the best possible performance, to improve our game going out to outing. We will use it to implement what we have worked on, to gain confidence in our offensive systems. There will be new launches for the next two matches.
The All Blacks scored eleven tries against Namibia. Is there a form of duty to do at least as well?
Honestly, I don’t think so. The All Blacks had a good match, scored eleven tries but it’s not the objective to score more to send a message. We want to play a complete match, in attack and defense, and do well what we work on in training. We are not in the comparison. We have respect for Namibia and take the match seriously. We’ll see how it goes.
On arrival, for senior players, you will play a match every two weeks. Is this a pace that suits you?
We don’t have a choice yet. We will adapt. Honestly, it’s important to play matches. In the meantime, the weeks are long, we are working hard on our rugby. There is something to gain pace. There, we will continue with a break between the next two matches to work on automation and cohesion.
But are you happy to be back on Thursday?
For me, there is no need to spare yourself. I’m happy to be able to play, I need rhythm, reference points with the team. I’m delighted to continue. We will see the choices that will be made for the rest of the competition but I will take whatever there is to take.
Jonathan Danty will make his return. What does it bring you?
“Jo” is a very important player for us. We know his ability to take the center of the field. In attack, it is a fixation point that weighs on the defense. He has this ability to recover and scratch balls at any time, he is essential for our system. It’s an added value to have it on Thursday. He took the time to come back, he is 100%.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey, your teammate, should also start. Does he still amaze you?
Yes, he is a player that I know well, that I have seen evolve. Everyone knows his qualities. Where he amazes me is his ability to always get up to speed, no matter the pressure of the match. He might ask himself questions, but he is always there, he responds. He has this ability to adapt. Also a sense of positioning and intelligence about rugby which are impressive for his age. He has a rare maturity.
Have you watched the Ireland and South Africa matches, see potential quarter-final opponents?
Yes, obviously, we watch the matches of Ireland, South Africa and other nations. The main thing is to come out of this group with four victories, I repeat. We are focused on Namibia. Afterwards, we will be against Italy, then against the opponent in the quarter-final. We watch, we are attentive but the first objective remains the next match.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.