France have come to London, as coach Philippe Saint-André said on Thursday, “to play with a smile on our faces”. That intention might strike fear into those who are concerned that the French are beginning to recognise something important about themselves.
There has been a thawing in Saint-André’s relationship with the French public, and he is less seen as an Inspector Clouseau-type figure with a whistle and tracksuit. Of course, perceptions are also outcome-driven.
While Ireland are at the end of their pool challenge, neither Saint-André or winger Noa Nakaitaci allowed themselves to look so far ahead. It was, said Noa, unfair to Italy to speak about an Irish challenge.
Humility is also one of the pillars of the French character for this World Cup. And Saint-André’s team will take that emotion into their opening game against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.
The coaching staff and the players, led yesterday by Thierry Dusautoir on the captain’s run around a sunlit Twickenham, have come to an understanding that they are better than six months ago. They are brighter and they are happier.
Quite a declaration.
Fofana down
One bum note was the injury to centre Wesley Fofana, which will keep him out of the opening match at least. But even there Saint-André was able to lighten the mood and promote the team view of playing with modesty and honesty.
“He will be 120 per cent by Wednesday,” said the French coach. “I need guys who are completely fit. He [Fofana] is not yet and I don’t want to take any risks. We have 31 good players and I pick the guys who are 100 per cent ready.
“We are not the favourites,” he acknowledged. “We should take each match one at a time and we should approach them with humility because we have not won the World Cup.
“It’s just a game of rugby and we should not put too much pressure on the players,” Saint-André reckoned. “There are more people, more spectators, more of everything, but it’s just a game of rugby. They need to be ready in their heads, in their guts and in their shoes.”
Those were Saint-André’s themes for the afternoon’s cordial exchanges. He quietly planted the seeds of diligence, work ethic and readiness.
Six Nations 4th
France has had Italy, London and the world in their sights since July 5th – and have taken flak all the way.
During that time they have been on a recovery mission after fourth place in this year’s Six Nations. They followed on from that slump into August, where they lost 19-14 to England at Twickenham.
Then they beat England 25-20 in the return match in St Denis, prompting scrumhalf Morgan Parra to explain the disparity: “The problem is we’re French.”
“I have been working for this for four years,” said Saint-André. “We will be much better than in the Six Nations. We have shown it already in the warm-up games. The team is ready – much, much fitter.”
There were glimpses of it against England in the second match, where Frédéric Michalak showed steadiness in kicking five from six, with fullback Scott Spedding adding one.
