Dusautoir loves Cardiff
French flanker Thierry Dusautoir is looking forward to playing in the Six Nations decider against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, even if the victory margin of twenty points required of France to win the tournament is a tough task.
French flanker Thierry Dusautoir is looking forward to playing in the Six Nations decider against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, even if the victory margin of twenty points required of France to win the tournament is a tough task.
Dusautoir has already played two big games at the Millennium stadium and has many memories of it's special atmosphere.
He was part of the Biarritz team that lost the 2006 European Cup final in Cardiff, but was also in the French side that upset the All Blacks there in the last World Cup.
Dusautoir scored a vital try in that game and can't wait to return to the 'scene of the crime'.
“I can't wait to be there. Playing at the Millennium in front of 80 000 people is unique, especially when the roof is closed,” he told lesite.
“When I enter the stadium I'll obviously remember the match against the All Blacks, I hope it brings us luck. Either way, playing in such an atmosphere is intoxicating.”
“It's going to be a very open game. They're going to try test us up front…they will also try run the ball like we've tried to do since the start of the tournament. The spectators won't be bored.
“I think [Wales] will be under more pressure than us because they're playing for the Grand Slam.
“They'll have to be strong mentally whereas we come with no pressure. To say that we're going to beat the Wales by 20 points in their back yard is a bit presumptuous. We'll have to take it minute by minute.
“[But] we're not going to Cardiff as tourists. We're going there to win, but that doesn't assure us the tournament. It's reasonable to think we can win, but by 20 points, that suddenly becomes a lot harder.”
“We need more stability in the contest situations. Against Italy we managed to alternate our kicking and running games. It will be important to be able to rely on good kicking.
“We'll also have to use the confidence gained from our last games. In any case, seeing what we'll be up against, we'll be obliged to play like that.
The French coaching staff have allowed the players plenty of time to recuperate this week, which is much appreciated.
“Playing on Sunday and then again on Saturday, not to mention all the travelling, is a heavy load,” said Dusautoir.
“All the players have already played in the tournament so everyone knows the system in place and recuperation will be more important [than training hard].”