It was a difficult evening for all of us. We suspected it. We did not expect an easy evening, but we will say that it was difficult on the field, difficult for the players, difficult for us.
Did you expect these developments on the All Blacks side, on the games at the foot, the keys …?
On the first try, there is a movement in the corridor that surprises us, while potentially, we could have been able to defend it. It is well played. They put us so much at the edge of the limits that the slightest individual error created an imbalance.
Was it possible to contain them better?
We were a bit spectators. On the next game, which we know how to defend, we lacked speed to stop the momentum. By wanting to be everywhere, we are not really where it happens. We missed a little strength, a little speed to intervene each time.
The forwards were inexperienced. Did you feel that it was difficult for them?
Clearly, it is not easy to find homogeneity that is necessary to be able to compete in front of this All Black team, which is a real team. We are a selection, with development players […] The second half is much better. Bring out of the locker room with 29-3 and doing 14-14 in the second half is very good.
What was the speech at halftime?
It was necessary to ignore what had happened. It is a young selection that is in trouble, players can ask questions. I asked them “don’t judge yourself.” Now we have a real character test. We all want to live this rugby. Sometimes it’s happy, sometimes it’s difficult. We restart the game with everything we can put in this second half ”. And honestly, I am very happy with the second half.
Have you seen reasons for satisfaction for the third game?
