France rugby coach Patrick Arlettaz warns of complacency before Fiji clash, Digi Mart USA News: Days before facing Fiji on Saturday in Lyon, France attack coach Patrick Arlettaz has issued a warning to the XV de France. According to a report published by Blog RCT, Arlettaz did not forget the difficulties France faced in the previous meeting between the two nations, which France won 34-21.
In that match, France started strongly and led 21-0. However, Fiji later put pressure on the French defense, particularly in the contact battles and on the wings.
Arlettaz said the Bleus must learn from that game.
Arlettaz, quoted by Le Figaro, said Fiji has many players who appear weekly in the Top 14 and possesses strong individual qualities of speed, support and physical power. He recalled that France lost center Pierre-Louis Barassi and Émilien Gailleton early in the match, after which Fiji caused problems in midfield, on the wings and in defense.
According to Arlettaz, the French team’s main mistake was abandoning its collective structure. By accepting too many individual duels, France allowed Fiji to play in a style the team handles especially well.
He said the goal this time is to prioritize collective effort and prevent Fiji from gaining momentum.
Arlettaz also said the two squads know each other well because many players meet regularly as club opponents or teammates. He suggested this familiarity could increase Fiji’s motivation to beat France.
The match is also scheduled six days before France faces South Africa at the Stade de France. Arlettaz rejected the idea that the Fiji game is a warm-up, saying France must focus fully on Fiji to keep its place at the top of the Northern Conference.
Arlettaz also said the Championship of Nations has increased interest among players, who are following team rankings and comparing themselves with other Northern Hemisphere sides.
