The coach in charge of France’s forwards talked about the Bleus’ new living environment at a press conference on Tuesday. He also spoke of the respect due to the All Blacks.
How do the All Blacks inspire you?
William Servat: Above all, we’re passionate about our sport. The All Blacks are the team everyone dreams about. To have the chance to meet them is incredible. The haka and all that goes with it… This match is special in many ways. New Zealand are a dream team, producing such ambitious rugby that many youngsters are inspired by them. We’re lucky enough to face them on Saturday evening.
Is it really a chance?
It’s a great opportunity, even if it will also be very difficult. The XV de France is well aware that a match against the All Blacks is not something to be prepared for lightly. We have the opportunity to win, but also to take fifty. I’ve been there, and when that happens, you see everything in black, not just their shirts… This opposition should enable us to transcend ourselves. It’s been a long time since the All Blacks performed so well. They have explosive players with enormous individual qualities.
Will there be a response to the New Zealand haka on Saturday night?
Don’t expect anything special. The best response is to respect a nation. That’s what we’ll be doing on Saturday night. We have a lot of respect for this team, its jersey and its traditions. But we also have a certain pride. We’ll play with maximum commitment.
Romain Buros is one of the great players. He’ll rise to the occasion. I have every confidence in him.
William Servat
What did you think of Bayonne prop Tevita Tatafu’s first selection against Japan?
He put in a very good performance. It’s never easy to start out in the national team, and Tevita was there. Like Manny Meafou, Tevita chose to represent France rather than another country, and I have a lot of admiration for that. Not everything about Tevita is perfect yet, but he’s going to improve his commitment, his scrummaging… He’s a strong-willed lad, and I’d remind you that he’s lost over 20 kilos since June to be able to apply with us. His profile is promising for the future and the match to come. And he’s not the only one: George-Henri Colombe is also showing his face, as is Régis Montagne. To have such a reservoir is a real blessing. It hasn’t always been the case.
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Is it a risky gamble to offer UBB full-back Romain Buros his first selection against the All Blacks?
He’s been with us for many years. It hasn’t always been easy for him. He’s been on tour (in Japan, NDLR) without being caped. The boy has character and is capable of taking on great challenges. Clearly, we’re counting on him.
But starting an international career against the All Blacks is no mean feat…
It’s not neutral, but what could be more beautiful than to celebrate your first selection against the greats? Great players play great matches, and I think Romain Buros is one of those people. He’ll rise to the occasion. I have every confidence in him.
When you represent the French team, you have rights but above all duties.
William Servat
Has the new charter on the living environment of the XV de France changed your daily life?
It made a lot of noise, but it didn’t change our way of life. Our players aren’t alcoholics and they don’t drink on the sly. Quite simply, when you represent the French team, you have rights but above all duties. We’re all aware of that.
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How did you feel about alcohol-free beer in the locker room after the match?
I didn’t drink any. Alcohol-free beer would be a kind of palliative for alcoholics, and I’m lucky enough not to be one (laughs)…
Interview at the press conference