The coach of the XV of France delivered his analysis after the sluggish success (24-29) of his people on Sunday in Italy.
Special envoy to Rome
Are you happy or worried after this narrow victory?
Fabien Galthié: We are both satisfied to have won and to have taken the offensive bonus, two of the objectives set, but, it is true that it was hard. Performance is mixed. A little bitter even.
Does winning take precedence over content?
Yes. Victory is so important at this level. Whatever the scenario, winning is essential. Taking the offensive bonus was important too. So I’m not a jerk. Winning an international match, an away Tournament match, is important. Collectively, we have consistent expectations in relation to what we have done so far. But we have the right not to always be on top. Afterwards, we are all aware, we all want to do better. Much better…
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The French bench was decisive…
They made a very good comeback when we took a yellow card and then lost the lead. This is why we have chosen to coach in important positions. That’s what finishers are for. They have the daunting task of finishing the match and, often, winning it. That’s what happened. We are satisfied with this end of the match.
“Mastery of the rule failed us today and cost us dearly”
Fabien Galthié on the indiscipline of the Blues
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How do you explain the indiscipline of your team which conceded 18 penalties?
It is dangerous at this level. You step back at least 30 meters each time. And when you don’t step back, you take 3 points. Mastery of the rule failed us today and cost us dearly. Our indiscipline has robbed us of many strengths in collective control.
Fabien Galthie GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE / REUTERS
What did you think of Dumortier’s premiere?
It’s hard to talk about a hot player. For him, it was an important moment. I want to congratulate her on her performance in a game that was difficult to manage from an emotional point of view. He stayed in the game, focused. He could have gamberger to join a team in difficulty. On the psychological part, he was very solid. That’s the impression he gave me anyway.
What speech did you have in the locker room after this match?
We talked a lot between us. We were brought pizzas, we had a drink between us. We enjoy community life. It was not the moment. And then the Italians arrived very quickly in our locker room to chat with their club teammates or exchange their shirts. It was a moment of conviviality and recovery. We will have time to work on this game. Sometimes making a hot speech is like putting an end to it. But the week ahead of us is linked to the first two weeks.
What did you think of Ireland’s performance in Cardiff?
I loved it. I saw two great rugby matches, two incredible away wins. The Irish had practically settled the fate of the match during the first half…
Statements taken at a press conference