Les Bleus’ post-tournament refit has not been as drastic as expected and they face Ireland with a team of relative veterans
“We would be kidding ourselves not to speak about it,” William Servat admitted. France’s forwards coach was first up to face the press as Six Nations preparations began last week and, inevitably, he was soon asked about the World Cup quarter-final defeat by South Africa and how the team would respond.
Three and a half months on, the players have now come to terms with the agonising early exit on home soil, Servat said. “We have to make use of this frustration as a way to prepare for the Ireland game” the former hooker added, having debriefed the squad on their return to the Marcoussis training centre for the Six Nations.