The staff of the XV of France repeats it at length of press conference: everything will be ready Friday, at 9:15 p.m., when they face New Zealand and start their World Cup at home. Saying it is not enough: ask Vincent Collet and his French basketball team eliminated in the first round. Some seers are however in the green: a World Cup at home, the best XV of France of the millennium, a promising Six Nations Tournament in February and an XXL preparation, started in June for some. A quick elimination would therefore be a huge disappointment for this generation, which aims, without saying too much, the final at least in this World Cup.
But the competition lasts two months and puts the organisms to the test. And there has already been damage during the preparation matches in August. Thus, Romain Ntamack, No. 10 holder, said bitterly goodbye to the competition by crossing the line against Scotland and Paul Willemse, essential in defense, also had to forfeit, hit in the thigh and replaced by Bastien Chalureau. In addition to injuries, the Blues must wrestle with New Zealand from the group stage and could fall in the quarter, either on Ireland, world No. 1 and favorite, or on South Africa, world champion in title. A particularly tough course, but which could lead the XV tricolor to its first world title, at home moreover.
And you, do you see the Antoine Dupont band lifting the trophy on October 28? Or do you see the Blues fail before the final? Before the group stages? For you, what are the strengths and weaknesses of coach Fabien Galthié’s team? And if it’s not France, who do you see winning the competition? Which team scares you the most? To your predictions! Your testimony may be used to write an article. Thanks in advance.