Matthieu Jalibert out of the squad

“We’re taking the time to talk to all the players. There are only 23 places, we’re working with 42, so… The project is a collective one. To build a team, what’s important for us is the determination of the moment and the individual strength that will serve the collective. This tour is an important step towards 2027. These four weeks enable us to bring on board all the players who are capable of going the distance, developing physically and rugby-wise, but also developing the mental endurance and strength of character that you need with the French team to get through the tough times. That’s the message we share with each of the players.”

Hear his disappointment

“Everyone is free to live their emotions and share them. What we need is determination and strong players. Until now, he (Jalibert) has brought his talent to the French team, he has always tried to give his best, and he will continue to do so, if he so wishes of course. Everyone has the choice to make decisions. But what we need to do is identify players who can cope with the good times as well as the difficult ones. We could talk about my career, but that’s not the point (smile).”

Buros rather than Barré at the back

“Romain (Buros) had been touring Australia with us from 2021, then Japan in 2022. He’s been with us regularly, performing well at club level and in training. Over the past three weeks, he’s shown us his confidence and certainty. Léo, who had played some very good matches, left a little room for emulation in his performances (against Japan, editor’s note). We felt the time was right to allow Romain to come and pick up the jersey. We always try to be as fair as possible. There are always small adjustments linked to the form of the moment, to our feelings about the construction of the team. So this isn’t the first time.”

There is no free gift selection

Fabien Galthié

Fickou back in business

“Gaël is an executive, but there’s no such thing as a free selection. He’s always earned the right to start. At Racing 92, along with Nolann Le Garrec, he’s the player who’s performed best at the start of the season. My only regret is that he played all eight games as a starter. He needed to regenerate. He’s showing in training that he’s back in top form.”

The composition of the bench at 6-2

“It’s a very strategic choice. We think we’re going to need maximum activity and collective strength to hold the line. We’re going to have to be strong collectively and go the distance. Against England and Ireland, the All Blacks recovered decisive penalties in the scrum at the end of the match.”