Patrick Arlettaz France rugby player health comments ahead of Fiji match, Digi Mart USA News: France rugby coach Patrick Arlettaz spoke about the possible return of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack together against Fiji, saying both players are in good form. He said the two know each other well and that selection depends on current form and individual performance rather than pairing specific players.
Arlettaz described Dupont as physically much better than during the last Six Nations, saying he appeared rested and fully capable after two major injuries. He also praised Cameron Woki, whose return is also expected, saying the flanker has been consistently strong and has shown the intensity the coaching staff had long asked for.
Looking back at France’s previous meeting with Fiji, Arlettaz said the team lost early ground in midfield after losing Pierre-Louis Barassi and Émilien Gailleton, and that Fiji’s outside players caused problems. He said France lost its game plan after leading 21-0 and stressed the need to return to collective combat rather than becoming trapped in one-on-one duels.
On player health, Arlettaz said the issue concerns players, club managers, the League, the federation and the head coach. He said that when he played, player health was almost a taboo subject, but that it is now openly discussed and new rules are regularly introduced.
He said staff now monitor fatigue, intensity and recovery times, using GPS data alongside medical considerations.
Arlettaz also commented on the Championnat des Nations, saying it has increased popular enthusiasm and players’ interest in rankings and trophies. He addressed the team’s attacking structure without Thomas Ramos and Matthieu Jalibert, saying Théo Attissogbé can play a more hybrid role as a second playmaker while using his own strengths.
He concluded that the Fiji match is a real test rather than a warm-up for South Africa six days later, and that France must beat Fiji to remain first.
