It was with a “Bonjour à tous” in French in the text that the number 8 of the Blacks Ardie Savea began to answer questions, with a smile. But not without determination…
We understand that your team was upset to be cataloged as one of the “worst New Zealand teams in history” and reduced by many observers to the rank of outsiders, before challenging the Blues on their land. What state of mind are you in?
The XV of France is one of the best teams in the world today, that’s for sure. This team is very physical, with great players in all lines. I know that the forecasters see us less well since our match against South Africa, which was played in a particular context for us… We will see on Friday at what level we really are.
In 48 hours will be given the kickoff of this opening match which we have been talking about for almost three years… Can you contain your excitement and the pressure which will start to mount?
In any country, playing the opening match against the host country can only be a special, magical, magnificent moment. It is the dream for any rugby player. We are going to have this chance and we just have to take advantage of it and savor the present moment. Having discovered it in 2021, the atmosphere at the Stade de France is fabulous. We don’t expect anything else on Friday and that’s normal, the public will want to push behind their team. There’s no pressure about that, it’s just a chance we’ve been given to experience such fabulous moments.
In the third line, Sam Cane will regain his place as number 7 while Dalton Papali’i will hold the position of “closed side” flanker. Do you think the balance will be better than against the Springboks?
Dalt’s doesn’t talk much but trust me, on the pitch he gets the job done. With Sam, I think we have a good balance. Playing with them is always great.
How do you view your vis-à-vis Gregory Alldritt?
He’s a great player. Honestly, I’m a big fan. He’s the kind of guy you watch all year round on TV on the other side of the world, and that you inevitably want to meet on the field. I am very happy to be able to take up this challenge.