With this victory, 18 months from the World Cup at home, France put an end to twelve years of scarcity and signed its 10th Grand Slam. “There have been huge French teams in the past, but this one seems really irresistible to me and perhaps the most talented in French rugby”welcomes Marc Lievremont, coach of the XV of France between 2007 and 2011.
franceinfo: How did you experience this evening?
Marc Lievremont: The evening was extraordinary for French rugby with this immensely talented French team. We felt it irresistible. Our English friends did everything to spoil the party, there was a rather sumptuous meeting with incredible intensity. We are very happy because French rugby is back on top of Europe.
Is it really in the mind that it is played or are these young people stronger in the physical dimension?
For any athlete, individual or collective, the mind is paramount. What is the right balance, the right percentage between the mental part, the talent of these young people, their ambition, their camaraderie, their perseverance? This team is remarkably balanced with individual talent, like captain Antoine Dupont, voted best player in the world, who was decisive yesterday. There are so many great players.
Do you pay homage to your successor, Fabien Galthié?
Yes of course. We went through a complicated period for about ten years. I have a thought for all the high-level coaches who struggled because the dynamic was contrary. And for two years, Fabien Galthié and all of his staff have been able to put the French team back at the highest level at great speed. This young team is only progressing. There are skills on the field and off the field. They are still very young, the room for improvement seems substantial to me.
“Fabien Galthié was an immensely talented player and he is an invested coach, who knows where he wants to go and who has given this team a lot of strength.”
Marc Lievremont, former coach of the XV of Franceat franceinfo
Is this a team cut out for the future?
We are here to celebrate this Grand Slam and we are thinking of the World Cup [dans 18 mois]. There have been huge French teams in the past, but this one seems to me really irresistible and perhaps the most talented in French rugby. What is also striking is his youth, his carelessness. They are old enough to play two World Cups. They beat the All Blacks, they manhandled the Irish and the English who are two big teams. The France team will play South Africa in a few months, in November. It will be a major test. During this World Cup, it will be necessary to manage the inherent pressure of a receiving team.