Attack coach Patrick Arlettaz says France’s determination to beat the Springboks burns as fiercely as ever – even if revenge isn’t their driving force.
Speaking to Rugbyrama ahead of Saturday’s clash with the back-to-back world champions at the Stade de France, Arlettaz admitted that the heartbreaking one-point World Cup quarter-final defeat to the Boks, still lingers in the French psyche.
“There was sadness, frustration and maybe a sense of injustice,” he said. “It’s still a scar for everyone, myself included, but [a defeat] we have to build on to become better.”
While the 2023 loss won’t define this week’s rematch, Arlettaz conceded that “the desire to beat them is very strong – absolutely.”
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With several frontline players sidelined, France have been forced to juggle combinations, but Arlettaz insisted they have no fear of being outmuscled or outjumped.
“We believe we can match them physically,” he said. “We don’t have the same preparation time, but that only fuels our hunger.
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“The Springboks kick between 15 and 17 high balls per match – that’s more than scrums, and about the same as lineouts. We can’t ignore that. We’ve spent real time on it.”
Renowned for his attacking philosophy, Arlettaz also acknowledged that while France won’t mirror the Boks’ tactical kicking, they’ll need to use it as part of their arsenal to shift momentum.
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Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
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