Cédric Chasseur / Photo credits: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP
modified to
7:52 a.m., October 6, 2023
This Friday, the XV of France faces Italy for its last group match. With the obligation to win to qualify, Fabien Galthié’s players approach the meeting like a real round of 16. Without their captain Antoine Dupont, the pressure rests on the shoulders of his replacement, Maxime Lucu.
The real competition begins today for the Blues. This Friday, for this new Rugby World Cup match, the French XV faces Italy at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon. The Blues must win to qualify for the quarter-finals and finish first in their group. If they are ultra favorites against the Squadra Azzurra, the French are taking the meeting with seriousness and humility. At home, in front of 60,000 spectators committed to their cause, it is the opportunity to shine and continue to dream of the supreme title.
Do without Captain Antoine Dupont
At a press conference, Fabien Galthié’s players seem to have understood what is at stake in the meeting. “For us, it’s a round of 16,” underlines Gaël Fickou, three-quarter center of the French XV. “From now on, we know that it is a sudden death, so we must not miss it. We are focused and ready for the event, we have been preparing for four years for this,” he added . Against the Italians, the Blues have nothing to be ashamed of with a more than favorable record. Out of 47 matches, the Tricolores have won 44 times.
Problem, captain Antoine Dupont suffered a maxillo-zygomatic fracture during the match against Namibia. Back with his teammates, however, he will not be able to play the match. It is therefore on his replacement, Maxime Lucu, that the hopes of an entire country rest. But the scrum half from Union Bordeaux Bègles wants to play free: “There is no comparison to be made because I don’t have the same qualities as him. There is a lot of excitement, even if he “There is anticipation around this match and my role to play. But I don’t want to put too much negative pressure on myself and I prefer to enjoy the moment,” he expressed this Thursday.
The XV of France will be qualified in the event of a victory or match and if it loses with the defensive and defensive bonus. But the ambitions are clear, to win and reach the quarter-final.