Post by : Rameen Ariff

Fabien Galthie, the head coach of the French rugby team, candidly reflected on the team’s performance following their recent Autumn series victory against Australia. Though France triumphed with a score of 48-33, Galthie emphasized that the team still faces significant challenges to meet the exceptional standards established in the previous World Cup cycle.

The match occurred as part of the Autumn international fixtures, where France initially established a strong presence. However, issues arose in the first half, as penalties caught up with them. The halftime score was evenly poised at 19-19, revealing concerns regarding discipline and defensive strategies that Galthie believes are hindering optimal performance.

In comparing the current squad to that of the 2023 World Cup, Galthie noted a drop in performance. Previously boasting 24 wins from 26 outings, the current campaign has not yielded the same results, evidenced by a tough 32-17 defeat to South Africa. While wins against Fiji and Australia were secured, they lacked the required conviction.

Adding to the team’s tribulations is the injury absence of captain Antoine Dupont, which has disrupted team dynamics. Galthie highlighted that conceding 12 tries across three games and giving away penalties, particularly in critical areas during the Australian match, underlined the necessity for ongoing improvements.

Despite these obstacles, Galthie maintains a positive outlook, recognizing the potential among newer squad members. Notably, Nicolas Depoortere, a center who has notched four tries in recent tests, stands out as a promising asset for the team's future.

As France gears up for a key matchup against Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations tournament scheduled for February, Galthie and his squad are dedicated to refining their discipline, bolstering their defense, and ensuring higher consistency to compete effectively once again.

In conclusion, while the victory against Australia is commendable, Galthie is acutely aware of the arduous journey ahead to restore the team’s former excellence. The focus remains on rectifying weaknesses and nurturing a formidable squad for the forthcoming rugby season.

#Sports News #Asia News