Théo Attissogbé France rugby Fiji match preparation, Digi Mart USA News (Paris, France): Théo Attissogbé is expected to start at fullback for the French national team against Fiji on Saturday evening. The Section Paloise player usually alternates between wing and fullback, but this time he will be asked to contribute more to France’s attacking play.
Attissogbé will share an important responsibility with Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, in a system where Thomas Ramos regularly filled the role of second fly-half. He knows the demands of the fullback position well, but he recognizes that France’s style of play requires some adjustments.
His profile, which is oriented toward speed and space, could offer the French attack new options.
Speaking to Midi Olympique, Attissogbé described the work he has done to become a more complete player: “I enjoy moving between wing and fullback, two positions I know well. In today’s rugby, all forms of kicking have become very important, particularly for the fullback.
It is therefore an area I spend a lot of time working on, both at club level and with the national team.” He acknowledged that his profile differs from that of Thomas Ramos: “There is inevitably an adjustment since the game plan is different from the one at Pau. But I have had the chance to be part of the France group for several years now, so I have acquired certain habits.”
One of his main responsibilities will be organizing the attack. In the French system, the fullback must be able to make decisions that are usually handled by the halves.
Attissogbé explained his role: “Yes, at certain moments I must be able to relieve Romain in directing play. It is an important aspect of the fullback position, which sets it apart from the wing.
I must be able to stand in for Romain and Antoine Dupont when the situation requires it.”
Attissogbé said he can rely on the understanding between Dupont and Ntamack, whom he described as leaders of the squad: “Since our gathering, we have felt their leadership at every training session. They hold two key positions, know each other perfectly and are used to playing together.
It shows immediately. For us, playing around them becomes simpler.
We are very happy to see them paired together.”
Against Fiji, Attissogbé could form a backline with Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, three players whose speed and movement could be a real asset for the French team. Attissogbé said their effectiveness will depend mainly on how well they combine: “Our profiles are indeed oriented toward speed and space.
But above all we must find each other well and alternate our play to remain as unpredictable as possible.” He stressed their shared desire to keep the ball moving: “This is essential so we can adapt to what the opponent offers. We all three have a real appetite for movement play and space.”
Attissogbé knows Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang particularly well, as they play together at the Section Paloise. He praised his teammate’s physical qualities, describing a player capable of making a difference in many areas: “Aaron is a huge athlete.
He has impressive physical qualities, great acceleration and pure speed that make him extremely unpredictable.” He also highlighted his effectiveness in aerial contests and his defensive commitment: “We also know his qualities in aerial duels. He is a real strength for us in Pau and I hope it will also be the case in blue.
He likes to defend and keep working through the tasks. He is a player we can rely on in many areas.”
Attissogbé also has experience in rugby sevens, as several of France’s future opponents do. He said the discipline gave him valuable skills for international rugby: “A great deal.
It is such a demanding discipline that every action counts: rucks, tackles, contesting possession on the ground. Every action must be done at 300%, because keeping the ball is paramount.” He added that the discipline demands intense effort: “We face outstanding ball-carriers and learn to repeat efforts at very high speed.
It is an extremely complete discipline that improves many aspects of the game.”
France will need to contend with Fiji’s dangerous players in contact and in space. Attissogbé acknowledged the threat posed by their three-quarters: “We know them well since most of them play in the French championship.
We see them performing feats almost every weekend. We know they will give us a tough fight.
It is up to us to be ready to meet their challenge and try to contain their attacks as much as possible.”
