The XV of France Returns to Geoffroy-Guichard: Memories, Expectations, and Missed Meetings

By entering Geoffroy-Guichard this Friday, coach Fabien Galthié and general manager Raphaël Ibanez inevitably remembered that they were both on the ground during the last passage of the XV of France in the Cauldron in 2001 “The climatic conditions were not the same” recalls the former pillar, who in 22 years went from the coldness of November to the heat wave of August. With the idea “to live up to the history of this very special stadium that has marked football fans”. Almost surprised to see the Saint-Etienne enclosure full, “which is not insignificant when it is not a rugby ground”, captain Antoine Dupont measures the immense expectation of the public “for what will be the first real meeting with French spectators in the run-up to the World Cup”.

Batlles, from football to ovality

Trained in Toulouse in the early 1990s, where he also began his professional career (1994-1999), Laurent Batlles was necessarily immersed in rugby, which will be invited this Saturday evening to Geoffroy-Guichard. Les Bleus that the Stéphane coach sees going far in the World Cup: “With (Antoine) Dupont, we have one of, if not the best player in the world. Today, nearly fifty elements are jostling for a place in the group. France, at home, claims to be world champion even if it will not be heads up and there will inevitably be surprises. “In addition to being attentive to the competition, Laurent Batlles will have an eye on the lawn of the Cauldron, which will host four matches: “The state of the field? We’ll do with it. In Toulouse, they manage to get Téfécé and Stade Toulousain to play at the Why Not Us Stadium? »

Missed meeting with the Blues at La Charpinière

They were delighted to see all their idols up close for a magical moment. The young rugby players of the RCAB are distributed disappointed, their guard of honor in the driveway of the hotel La Charpinière remained vain of their applause, like the arch of blue white red balloons made by the staff of the establishment under which the players of the France team did not pass. Very late on their arrival at Andrézieux-Bouthéon airport, they had no time to devote to the RCAB youngsters, except for a player Maxime Lucu and William Servat, a staff member, who sacrificed to this ritual. after having lunch.