In Marcoussis
There are three new additions to the staff. How much does this change the preparation?Thomas RAMOS. – There is necessarily a new way of working on certain points. And on others no. The newcomers try to bring their experience and their vision of the game. In physical preparation, we also have a new way of functioning but without changing the duration of the sessions too much. These are small details that add to what we were already doing.
Fabien Galthié has included you in the group of six leaders. How do you experience it? I was recently invited, yes. There are a few meetings during the week, but not a lot. It doesn’t change much for me. When I had something to say, leader or not, I said it. Finally, recently because, although I have been in the group for several years, as before I did not have my place in the field, it was complicated for me to go see the guys to explain things to them or give my notice. But, now that I have a series of matches, that I have playing time, I transcribe it in my speeches, as in the club. I try to keep them short but effective. Afterwards, being part of this group is more of a status, a way of speaking, compared to Fabien (Galthié).
Is it weird to prepare without Antoine Dupont? I see him all week, so it’s okay (smile)… Antoine was the captain and one of the best players in the world, so the group is obviously missing and in daily life. But we have two high-level scrum-halves who have had a very good start to the season and who are ready to take on the challenge.
Friday evening, Ireland will have to do without Sexton, who has retired from international duty. Is this a subject during training? We don’t talk about his absence, more about the 10 who will replace him. But we don’t expect a big change in the system: they kept the same coach, the squad will be 95% identical. Afterwards, the 10 who will replace him will have a lot of pressure. It’s up to us to be on him the whole game to try to foil him.
Starting the Tournament against Ireland, Grand Slam holders, advantage or handicap? We are getting to the heart of the matter facing a candidate for final victory, like us. We don’t have time to procrastinate. We’re all looking forward to being on the field on Friday. We know the fabulous atmosphere of the Vélodrome. There is everything to have a great match.
With the spirit of revenge? If we had been eliminated in the World Cup by Ireland perhaps, but that is not the case. So no. We want to turn the page and move on. If we beat Ireland and have a good Tournament, maybe people will talk to us a little less about this World Cup. The team, to move forward and perform well in the months and years to come, will need people to stop talking to us about this World Cup. In this sense, it is good to start with the Tournament, with a competition with something at stake, a title to win. This allows us to immediately have a goal.
Comments collected at a press conference