The ghosts of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final are still haunting France as they gear up to face South Africa, the team that ousted them on their home soil. The scene was set for a French fairy tale with Fabien Galthie leading a squad bursting with talent, including the phenomenal Antoine Dupont. Yet, fate had a cruel twist in store, as the pool draw pitted them early against the defending champions, leading to a heart-wrenching one-point defeat.
Romain Ntamack, sidelined by a devastating injury before the World Cup could even kick off, reflected on the lingering shadows of that defeat. "I wasn’t part of that World Cup quarter-final squad, but the trauma affected more than just the 23 players on the team sheet," Ntamack revealed to RugbyRama. This sentiment resonates deeply within the squad, touching even those like Ntamack who watched from afar.
"It’s a big challenge,"
Despite not playing in that fateful match, the impact was profound. The pain of the loss was echoed by teammate Maxime Lucu, who bitterly remarked that South Africa ‘stole’ France’s World Cup dream. Ntamack, while not as forthright, acknowledged the profound effect of that game on the entire team.
Since that loss, Ntamack has battled through a series of injuries but returned to help France clinch the Six Nations title earlier this year. Now fit, he is excited about his return to international rugby this November. "I feel light, happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to start a November tour at 100% of my physical capacity," he expressed, a sentiment of rejuvenation and childlike joy at donning the national jersey anew.
Looking ahead to the rematch against the Springboks, Ntamack emphasized the importance of the team's performance over the mere outcome. "This match is important because we are playing the two-time world champions. Regardless of the result, I want to say: the performance must give us collective experience in preparation for the rest of the autumn tour and, later, the World Cup," he stated.
After the upcoming clash, France's schedule includes encounters with Fiji and Australia, promising a fiery continuation of their season. As the French team lines up for another crack at their formidable opponents, the blend of past pain and present resolve will undoubtedly fuel their drive for redemption.
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The ghosts of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final are still haunting France as they gear up to face South Africa, the team that ousted them on their home soil. The scene was set for a French fairy tale with Fabien Galthie leading a squad bursting with talent, including the phenomenal Antoine Dupont. Yet, fate had a cruel twist in store, as the pool draw pitted them early against the defending champions, leading to a heart-wrenching one-point defeat.
Romain Ntamack, sidelined by a devastating injury before the World Cup could even kick off, reflected on the lingering shadows of that defeat. "I wasn’t part of that World Cup quarter-final squad, but the trauma affected more than just the 23 players on the team sheet," Ntamack revealed to RugbyRama. This sentiment resonates deeply within the squad, touching even those like Ntamack who watched from afar.
"It’s a big challenge,"
Despite not playing in that fateful match, the impact was profound. The pain of the loss was echoed by teammate Maxime Lucu, who bitterly remarked that South Africa ‘stole’ France’s World Cup dream. Ntamack, while not as forthright, acknowledged the profound effect of that game on the entire team.
Since that loss, Ntamack has battled through a series of injuries but returned to help France clinch the Six Nations title earlier this year. Now fit, he is excited about his return to international rugby this November. "I feel light, happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to start a November tour at 100% of my physical capacity," he expressed, a sentiment of rejuvenation and childlike joy at donning the national jersey anew.
Looking ahead to the rematch against the Springboks, Ntamack emphasized the importance of the team's performance over the mere outcome. "This match is important because we are playing the two-time world champions. Regardless of the result, I want to say: the performance must give us collective experience in preparation for the rest of the autumn tour and, later, the World Cup," he stated.
After the upcoming clash, France's schedule includes encounters with Fiji and Australia, promising a fiery continuation of their season. As the French team lines up for another crack at their formidable opponents, the blend of past pain and present resolve will undoubtedly fuel their drive for redemption.