Coach can breathe. His players gave him a final success against Australia (48-33) this Saturday at the Stade de France that allowed them to finish 2025 with more wins than losses (6 to 5). Fabien Galthié, speaking to the media after the match, did not hide his frustration with his team’s level of play.
Was this fall tour a success?
FABIEN GALTHIE. We played three games against very good opponents. We ended on a winning note with some positive things and some not so good things. But there is content. Against South Africa (a 17-32 defeat two weeks ago), we were able to do the job for 60 minutes because we lacked time together.
What is not good for you?
This is what everyone sees. We conceded five tries. The rules favor offensive positions but there is something recurring that we have not improved, except in the second half: it is control when we do not have the ball. This means, don’t make mistakes.
Are you confident about this match?
No, we are not looking for certainty. We know that all opponents are tough. Australia is capable of turning things around at any time.
Is the French team weaker than the previous season?
If I go back to 2021, we are not as strong as before, less stable. We are aiming for 14 wins in a row, 24 successes in 26 matches. This did not prevent us from losing by one point in the World Cup quarter-final against South Africa (30-29 on 15 October 2023). Yes, we are not on the same level but I say it calmly.
Are there any concerns?
No, it’s just fun but to be honest, every team gives us problems. We have 17 games left before the 2027 World Cup (1 October to 13 November 2027). The only thing we can’t control is being knocked out due to injury. And we see players who have been injured for a long time have a lot of freshness.
This period of difficulty comes early enough to be able to advance before the 2027 World Cup…
There are still many positive things. We gave Australia almost 50 points.
Why are you delaying bringing in a replacement?
Because they have no experience and have a lot of experience in the field.
What’s the point of this fall tour?
Play for the French team against great teams.
Therefore, France XV will be favored in the World Cup…
Yes, we will wait. We are in the first six (5th). All countries played more matches than us for the World Rugby rankings. We ranked with half the number of meetings as others.
