Thibaut Simon, Media365, published on Thursday July 03, 2025 at 5:27 p.m.
Following the announcement of the XV of France which will face the All Blacks, Fabien Galkié justified his choices with an inexperienced team.
14 selections on average, eight players who will celebrate their first cape, Fabien Galkié composes with a XV from France New Look to face the All Blacks. Choices that question in New Zealand, but of which the French coach has largely explained. Faced with the busy calendar, things have changed since March and the success of the French at the 6 nations tournament. Fatigue, injuries and club deadlines with the qualifications for the final stages of the championship and the European Cup animated this end of the season. “We follow the number of match sheets, with connected toothpicks, we also have the data on the number of contacts. So we realize that reality catches up with them. Up to a week before the selection announced, I was in contact with them, and they had the opportunity to say yes. But they preferred to regenerate and prepare. I also understand them. More than a refusal to wear the jersey of the Blues, it is above all a desire to recharge the batteries that the holders of Mars wished to offer themselves. Regardless, the coach must do with and believe that the forces in presence are ready for the challenge.
A challenge to be noted
Between July 5 and 19, the XV of France will go on a summer tour to face New Zealand three times. If the balance was reversed in view of the very inexperienced French workforce, Fabien Garthié had no choice. The coach knows that the challenge to be noted will be complicated, but he assures that the group has been preparing for three weeks with the aim of achieving a performance this Saturday. “I asked them before leaving: ” The challenge seems impossible to achieve. Are you? ” They all answered me yes, “says Garthié before adding that you will have to progress match after match. “The best thing you can do is a performance on Saturday, then the following week, and the next one. »»
“Preparing a match against the Blacks, it’s exciting”
For four years, France has won three times against the All Blacks. The last match test dates back to November (30-29). It was this team that was the best according to Galkié. “They start their season. They also have two absent from the brand: the left-hander (Tamaiti) Williams and the third-line (Wallace) Sititi, the two revelations of November. But they have such a density of players and they are so formatted … Their rugby is formatted around All Blacks. One thing is certain, Garthié always feasts as much to analyze the images of New Zealand and prepare a huge challenge. “Playing against All Blacks is a huge challenge which, I repeat, seems impossible. »»
