Head coach Galthie & captain Dupont discuss team announcement and more

Fabien Galthié, head coach

On the emotions in camp ahead of Sunday’s match:

"We’re always nervous before this kind of match. It would be a lie to say there’s no tension. That’s what makes these moments so special. We try to make the most of these moments, live them well together, and move forward with pleasure, joy, happiness and determination."

On whether this is the most important match of his time as France coach

“It is certainly the most important match, because it’s the next one. The past is just a memory. Our next match is against the world champions, who beat the Lions, a winning team. They’re a team that inspire us, that we’ve followed a lot. They talk a lot about nation, about uniting the country. We love how they carry the symbol of their country. I learned a lot about their country and their culture over there. 

“Playing against them, in Paris, at Stade de France, in a World Cup quarter-final, is magnificent, it’s wonderful. We’re well aware of that. For us, the challenge is simply to play rugby with pleasure, as a team and with ambition. We want to rise to this challenge as we always have.”

On South Africa's 5-3 bench split:

“South Africa are world champions because they have a very sharp, well-thought tactical approach. 

“They always come up with a strategy, a very well thought plan in relation to their opponents. It’s never by chance that they line up a team. 

“They’ve been watching us for two weeks now. I think they know us very well. Their decision to field a rather unusual line-up with a few changes and their choice of a 5-3 formation is well-founded, tactical, strategic and well thought. It’s a game of chess. Preparing for these matches is a level of strategy taken to the extreme. It’s perfect.”

On France’s bench and the return of the versatile Sekou Macalou to the bench:

“Tactically, we’re not going to say too much about what we’ve planned for Sunday. As for Sekou’s presence, it’s to be able to adapt to the scenario. Keep power, speed, impact and be present in the air. We have a number of players who can enable us to cover different options without fundamentally altering our organisation.”

Antoine Dupont, captain

On his physical and mental condition after his injury:

"I feel very good on both counts. At the time, I didn't know how serious my injury was. I thought the competition was over. I had to wait for the tests, the appointment with the surgeon and the operation. My convalescence went well. I was able to return gradually, and I had several weeks to do all that. Today, I’m at the top of my game, physically and technically.”

On his emotions when he was injured:

“I knew there was something wrong. It was a difficult moment. I was lucky that my injury happened quite early. It was important to go through all the stages before coming back this weekend.”

On whether he’ll wear a scrum cap:

“It's the surgeon’s wish and he suggested it. I have no problem with it.” 

On whether his game has changed to avoid contact:

“It shows that I’ve gained experience and that I know how to adapt to the opponent and to what’s in front of me. If there’s less space in front of me, it’s because there's more elsewhere. We have to adapt to what’s on offer and look for space wherever we can find it.

On returning to full-contact training:

“It was very gradual. I started running at low intensity. I started with contact in the middle of last week, and I’m finding my feet again. At the beginning of the week, I was able to get back into it fully. I found myself back in collective situations, in game situations. That boosted my confidence. I didn’t feel any pain. That reassured me. It was important to go through all the stages."

On preparing for South Africa:

“In matches with these levels of intensity, there’s always pain, whether physical or mental. International matches are always tough. We saw that in November. We have to be willing to suffer to achieve what we want. We have very high goals. We know what we have to do and that it’s going to be very tough from start to finish. If we’re not ready for that, we’re not ready to go where we want to go."

On the decision about his fitness to play:

“I didn’t feel any pressure from the staff. If I’m playing today, it’s because all the lights are green and I have the surgeon’s approval. There was no forced decision. We respected the deadlines. 

“The most important thing was how I felt, not to be apprehensive, to feel good. The most important thing was to think about the team before yourself. 

“If I couldn’t play, Maxime [Lucu] or Baptiste [Couilloud] would have done well in my place. They know the team well too, and we all work hard. If I play, it’s because I’m feeling well and the medical staff have validated my place on the team sheet.”