France want to take the initiative
France's coaching staff have promised more positive rugby from their side in Saturday's Six Nations match against England at the Stade de France, but have played down the importance of the clash, calling the game “just another step in our construction.”
France's coaching staff have promised more positive rugby from their side in Saturday's Six Nations match against England at the Stade de France, but have played down the importance of the clash, calling the game “just another step in our construction.”
As usual, the XV de France will concentrate on their own game, and not on the opposition's. Once again Lièvremont's message is clear: keep on playing positively, take the initiative, keep the ball.
“We mustn't be timid, that would be the worst of errors. We were against Ireland, in reducing our intentions, in giving them the ball too often,” Marc Lièvremont told L'Equipe.
“Against a team of the strength of England, who are very pragmatic, that would be a big error. We won't beat them at their own game, that's a certainty,” he said.
“It would be a mistake to try prove that we can match them physically by banging against the wall all night. We must play with our weapons, develop our game, which we want to be as complete as possible.”
“We're in a construction phase. After two good matches over all, this is stage three. It should be seen as part of a cycle and evolution, against an adversary of very high quality”
The French coaches believe that all the fuss made about the game means nothing on the field, and have rejected claims that Saturday's game will be a 'revenge' match.
“We didn't want to focus on England. It's match number three for us, which should serve in the elaboration of our play as just another step,” insists Emile N'Tamack.
“Nothing can replace the reality of the field, of a match. After Ireland, we showed the players that in a certain way we made a mistake,” said Lièvremont.
We took a step back in terms of putting our style of rugby in place, now we need to start taking initiatives again.”
Just another match? Against England ? Lièvremont recognises the old rivalry is still alive.
“I don't need to explain. [Everyone] knows that despite us playing it down, it's unique context, that goes further than rugby, or sport.
“But we need to keep our minds clear about putting our style in place. The context, the quality of the adversary, the history of the encounter is inevitably going to influence our preparation, even unconsciously.”
Captain Lionel Nallet, who leadership so far has received nothing but praise from all quarters, will once again be relied upon to steady the French ship.
“This week I'm going to talk about my experience in these matches against the English. They are always difficult, it's always thought that [the English] aren't worth much, like during the World Cup, and they got to the final.
“They're always up there, and often produce great performances against France, so we must remain prudent,” said the lock.
The coaching staff are more than well aware of the risks they are taking in picking a very young and inexperienced side, but have remained faithful to their plan of building for the future.
“We take responsibility making mistakes, including on our choice of players. But for moment the we're happy with our choices,” added Lièvremont.