France’s eighthman, Gregory Alldritt, stated on Wednesday that the team will need to increase their intensity in order to match the physicality of South Africa in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final match on Sunday. The hosts are expecting a tough challenge at the Stade de France, but they have some insight into what to expect as they previously defeated the Springboks 30-26 in Marseille last November.
Alldritt stated at a press conference, “We know how they’re going to play. Their DNA, their rugby, is based on physicality. It’s up to us to put in more intensity than usual for 80 minutes. As we saw in Marseille last year they’re a team that stays in the game for 80 minutes. We’ve been warned.”
One of the key battles in the upcoming match will be between the loose forwards, and Alldritt praised the opposing trio, saying, “I think they’re a reflection of the team, a back row that gives a lot in defence and attack for 80 minutes. It’s a great challenge. It’s going to be a great battle. We’re looking forward to it.”
Alldritt also expressed confidence in his team’s ability to respond to South Africa’s physicality, stating, “We have players who also hit hard. We forget that at times. I think we have the weapons to respond. We have to do even better and even more than usual against South Africa, but I’m not worried.”
He emphasized that the French camp has maintained the same attitude and tempo even as they progress into the knockout phase of the tournament. “We’re continuing to work as we have been. We’re trying to study every aspect of this match, we’re not leaving anything to chance,” he added. Alldritt noted that the team has been preparing for this moment for four years and has played significant games both at the club and national level.
Alldritt also spoke about the confidence boost gained from the team’s victory over New Zealand in the opening game of the tournament, stating, “The match was difficult but we were ahead by halftime. I hope it’ll be the same this weekend. We’re coming down the home straight. We want to enjoy ourselves, have a lot of fun and finish this competition with no regrets.”
(Editing by Christian Radnedge)
Credit: The Star : Sport Feed
