Philippe Saint-Andre is optimistic about France's World Cup hopes
Monday 6 July 2015 08:53, UK
Embattled French coach Philippe Saint-Andre is confident Les Bleus can put their recent indifferent form behind them and enjoy a successful World Cup campaign.
Saint-Andre’s record of just 15 wins in 37 games is the worst of any French coach and his team struggled once again in the recent RBS Six Nations, finishing with just two wins from their five games.
The 48-year-old will stand down after the tournament, regardless of how the French do, and will be replaced by veteran Toulouse coach Guy Noves.
There is growing unrest among French fans at the lack of progress under Saint-Andre but he remains optimistic and is determined to have his team at their peak when they face Italy in their opening World Cup game on September 19.
"There is obviously a lot of impatience to get going," said Saint-Andre. "It is the beginning of a wonderful adventure which will lead to the World Cup.
"It has been three years that we have been waiting to be in this position: to put into motion firstly five weeks focused 65-70% on physique and 30% on individual technique, at Marcoussis and Tignes (July 15-25).
"Then there will be a second part, more rugby based, which will take us up to the two warm-up games against England (August 15 and 22); and finally the last bit of fine-tuning and reducing the squad to 31 before at last arriving at our first pool match (against Italy)."
France have been drawn in World Cup Pool D alongside Six Nations champions Ireland, Italy, Romania and Canada.
Les Bleus are likely to battle it out with the Irish for supremacy in the group and Saint-Andre is determined to finish on top and avoid a likely quarter-final showdown with reigning world Champions New Zealand.
"The objective definitely is to top the pool," said Saint-Andre. "But first things first we are going to prepare well.
"Take one step at a time. It is imperative to live fully this period of preparation and not to look ahead with too much anticipation.
"The way our rugby is structured with the players paid by the clubs and not the federation means that aside from this spell we have to normally train at high speed.
"This time around the players have had a real phase of recharging the batteries and we are going to do our utmost to optimise their physical potential.
"We are also going to work on our strategy, the style of play, and to create osmosis both on the field of play and off it.
"It is up to us to prepare them so that French rugby and the supporters can be proud of us."
