"We must play with a lot of solidarity'

You find time long. Can't wait to start the championship?

"Yes, that's exactly it. We've been together with this group for a few weeks now, two months, two months and a few days. We had the chance this year to pick up a lot of players very early in the season. I think it brought a lot of things into the cohesion of the group. We got into rugby pretty early. We've seen in recent times, especially in recent weeks, training sessions, where the intensity has naturally increased, because the players are excited to rediscover this Top 14, to measure themselves. We're very happy that this is finally happening, for the staff and for the players. That brings other difficulties: you have to choose the team, leave players aside. The first games of the season are special in this field. We're hoping to get a big game out this weekend. "

The choice was more difficult because very few people were injured.

"It is thanks to the work that was done by the physical prep staff with the medical staff. We're very happy that, like last season, we're attacking with most of the means we have to play. This is very important. It's a puzzle for coaches to pick the team. But it's very important to try to choose the team that you think could do things right. "

La Rochelle represents a big opposition for this first day.

"I think that's gonna be the sentence of the whole season. We know there are no small teams in this championship. Everyone is armed, everyone is physically armed, as in terms of talent. It is important for us to try to play in solidarity, with a lot of solidarity in the team, to play together, to set up our game plan. Everything we've done since the start of the season has been focused on this common thread and I hope we'll see it this weekend. "