In Edinburgh
Rare at a press conference, the Englishman Shaun Edwards was present alongside the captain of the Blues, Grégory Alldritt, this Friday at a press conference. Coming out of the last training session before the match against Scotland this Saturday, in a frozen Murrayfield, the defense coach of the French XV did not mince his words.
“We were the best defense in the World Cup, OK? But yes, I agree, we have to improve. I’m waiting for a reaction tomorrow,” admitted the technician, when asked about the 9 tries conceded by his team during its last two matches.
“This defeat against Ireland (17-38) touched me. Against Ireland, it was the first time in four years where I had the feeling that we were below our standards. Overall: defense, winning, kicking, rucks, attack, defense. The first and only time in four years…”
Also read: Six Nations: “Great teams don’t repeat the same mistakes twice,” breathes Grégory Alldritt
With such an observation, Shaun Edwards recognizes that the meeting this Saturday is under high tension, with almost an obligation of result for the XV of France. “I never felt such pressure because we had never delivered such a poor performance as against Ireland.”
