Source: Radio New Zealand
France head coach Fabien Galthié. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
French coach Fabien Galthié has fired a shot a NZ Rugby after the sacking of Scott Robertson as All Black coach. Galthié, who named his side for the upcoming Six Nations tournament yesterday, said he was “perplexed” at the decision making around Robertson and his predecessor Ian Foster.
“New Zealand’s national policy does not help its national team. That’s my point of view,” Galthié told L’Equipe.
“Today, I don’t know the reasons for Scott Robertson’s departure. They make decisions and take responsibility for them. That’s their problem.”
David Kirk, the chair of NZ Rugby, speaks to media following the departure of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Galthié said he was in the same room as Foster when the All Black coach learned that his place would be taken by Robertson in 2023.
“In the same way as when I was with Ian Foster at Shape of the Game (a World Rugby forum) in spring 2023. All the coaches who were taking part in the World Cup were there,” he said.
“Around midday, I’m in a workshop. Someone comes to see him, shows him something, and he learns that Scott Robertson has been appointed in his place. They had already started preparing for the World Cup, which was taking place a few months later.”
Galthié was impressed with the way Foster took the news.
“He reacted with great class; he didn’t dwell on it. I just felt a buzz around him. I didn’t find (the situation) very tactful.”
Galthié’s French side comfortably beat the All Blacks in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup, however sensationally lost to eventual champions South Africa in the quarterfinals. Foster’s All Blacks made it all the way to the final before going down 12-11 in a dramatic final.
Nolann Le Garrec of France clears the ball against the All Blacks. Photosport
France will travel to Christchurch in July to open the All Black test season, with the FFR this week confirming that it will likely be a weakened team due to the series overlapping with the Top 14 finals. Galthié brought France to New Zealand last year under the same circumstances and lost the series 3-0, although his impressive young side pushed the All Blacks in the first and third tests.
Meanwhile, the French coach caused a shock with his squad selection this week, dropping the experienced trio of Grégory Alldritt, Gaël Fickou and Damian Penaud.
“You have to be fair, create healthy competition and healthy rivalry,” said Galthié.
“There’s a reassuring, supportive psychological approach, close to what we call building trust, but you also have to be open to other potential players… again, the most important thing is to be fair and that’s the case for these three players.”
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
