Fabien Galthie has downplayed France’s standing in the world game ahead of their tour to New Zealand, which will take place next month.
Les Bleus will face the All Blacks in a three-Test series in July, but they will be without many of their best players due to an agreement between the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and National Rugby League (LNR).
Even if they were able to pick their strongest available squad, however, Galthie insists that the likes of New Zealand and South Africa are leading the way over their player production.
‘The best rugby players in the world’
“Why less scary? Hasn’t the French team simply become better? Along with the South Africans, the New Zealanders remain, in my eyes, the best rugby players in the world. The legend lives on,” he told Midi Olympique.
Galthie will take a weakened squad with him to New Zealand, but he has been allowed to pick a maximum of five Top 14 finalists and the head coach explained the logistics of that situation.
“On the night of the first two Top 14 play-offs, the losers will be called up to try to transform them into a team capable of challenging England [on June 21] at Twickenham,” he said.
“A week later, on the night of the semi-finals this time, the losers will be called up to take them to New Zealand. In short, we will build squads with these players.
“In a few days, we must transform this majority of inexperienced players into a team capable of challenging the All Blacks.”
The French only just edged past the All Blacks the last time these teams faced off, claiming a home 30-29 triumph in November, and Galthie admits that it will be a tall order to repeat that success, especially with a severely understrength side.
“Of course. This tour is the toughest we’ve ever played with this French team, so I send this message to each of the selected players: ‘We have a challenge that seems impossible. Do you want to be part of it?’
“I think it’s a great way to start a story. The depth of the French squad, and the work done by the 42 players throughout the season, allows us to present a competitive French team, even with a few absentees.”
Ntamack and Alldritt updates
The compromise between the clubs and the national team came after Romain Ntamack and Gregory Alldritt stated their desire to face the All Blacks, but neither may tour later this month.
Ntamack has endured his injury issues over the past couple of years and there are suggestions he will undergo knee surgery after the Top 14 season has been completed.
He has been the favoured fly-half by Galthie despite the form of Matthieu Jalibert for Champions Cup winners Bordeaux-Begles.
“Romain is coming back well. For six years, he hasn’t wasted any time; four French championship titles and two Champions Cups and he has won a Grand Slam and another Six Nations with the French team,” the France boss said.
“That’s no small feat. I’m cheering for Romain as much as for Matthieu. And I’ll be cheering for the French team’s third fly-half in the same way, since neither of them may be available for the first Test in New Zealand.”
As for Alldritt, Galthie added: “Concerning him, a decision has been made regarding the New Zealand tour. But that too is confidential for the moment.”
READ MORE: All Blacks to face a handful of France’s best after an agreement is reached with major caveats
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/fabien-galthie-claims-new-zealand-remain-scary-as-legend-lives-on-for-all-blacks-and-springboks
