The most capped player in the French XV (82 caps) and captain of the defense, Gaël Fickou is also a true locker room leader. This is evidenced by his speech in the locker room before going out to challenge New Zealand (27-13), Friday, at the opening of the World Cup. An inspiring diatribe, captured by the France Rugby cameras.
“We’ve been waiting for this for 4 years guys,” began by recalling the Racing 92 center, before citing the names of all the injured players who have worn the blue jersey in recent years and who were forced to declare package. “I think of Viri (Virimi Vakatawa), of Bernie (Bernard Le Roux), of Paul (Willemse), of Romain (Ntamack) who are not there and who would dream of being there. Cissou (Cyril Baille) he would dream of being there, right now he had tears in his eyes. When we’re tired, we don’t give up, we think about these guys.”
Fickou also paid tribute to the supporters who “come from everywhere to support us”. Before focusing attention on Uini Atonio, the right pillar of the Blues, born in New Zealand: “I have known him for ten years, he has never given up. Today we are going to follow him. (…) I want him to smile at the end.” Mission accomplished.
