Colomiers. Sarraute: “The young people brought their enthusiasm and excitement”

How do you feel about this first meeting?

It was correct. There were good things, and waste as we had expected. But the players presented a good state of mind, a good investment. We had a match with some interesting things but it also shows us the path we still have to go, with the areas to improve to be ready for the start of the season against Carcassonne (August 26, editor’s note).

What are those areas that need tweaking?

We sometimes lacked speed in the game sequences. In the ground game phases, we were disturbed, it was a bit of the black point of the evening. And we have to raise our standards and our defensive rigor even further. Also, we must be much more precise on camp outings and more efficient in the ground game to put more speed on the sequences of play. But the positive points are important, namely the investment and the efficiency that we had despite everything in branded areas. Even if everything is not perfect, it was interesting to see these intentions.

Individually, did any players score points?

There were a lot of satisfactions, especially on the performance of young players. They got in tune with the team. We knew it, they brought their enthusiasm, this excitement that sticks to the skin of young players. They all gave an interesting performance even though the team was extremely young. I am very happy with Bellemand, Descoux, Béchu, Salles, Fricou, Lambert at the end of the game. For Kolokilagi, it was his first tailgating match! There is still work to be done but it is a good omen.

This first friendly is a source of much satisfaction…

We are aware that the match was not perfect. We must be able to put even more quality and speed in our sequences, and more reactivity in the game of transition. Because next week, against Bayonne, a Top 14 team, every detail, every mistake will be paid for in cash.

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