Stéphane Burgatt / Photo credits: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP
modified to
8:04 a.m., September 29, 2023
First public training for the French team in Aix-en-Provence on Thursday where the Blues are preparing for their final group stage match against Italy next week. More than 1,600 people gathered around the lawn and the hope of seeing their heroes despite a major absence.
The green rectangle was surrounded by a blue sea of 2,000 supporters gathered to cheer their idols and support the absent Antoine Dupont, on the occasion of the first public training of the XV of France in Aix-en-Provence.
“A good recovery Antoine Dupont, we hope he will return for the quarter-final,” a supporter crosses her fingers. Another adds: “We’re going to try to give him strength, this guy is indestructible!”
“It’s always a great pleasure to see so many people”
There is a first World Cup effect with fervor and a second with many new supporters discovering the team. Players like Damian Penaud and Charles Ollivon enjoy these crowds.
“It’s always a great pleasure to see so many people. From the first day here, a lot of atmosphere,” rejoices one of the two players. Blues who will return to their bubble before facing Italy next week.