‘Bitter’Assistant coach William Servat admits France carrying ‘scars’ but it has ‘nothing’ to do with World Cup defeat to Springboks

Assistant coach William Servat admits that France will be carrying ‘scars’ from their opening round defeat to Ireland in the Six Nations.

Les Bleus were defeated 38-17 by Ireland in the opening game of the 2024 Six Nations, Ireland’s biggest-ever win on over France on French soil.

‘Resentment and bitterness’

Servingat was taken aback by the outcome and indicated that they will be bringing their lackluster effort into their match against Scotland in Edinburgh for their round two match.

“I didn’t anticipate that,” Servat remarked. “Despite our best efforts to prepare, we were unable to win this match. We didn’t accomplish our goals, but I don’t think our plan was flawed.

We had a great deal of animosity and hostility afterward. The wounds from that match against Ireland will be used to prepare for the Scotland match.

World Cup had no influence

France’s first match since they were eliminated from their home Rugby World Cup in the quarterfinals came against Ireland.

In the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals last year, South Africa defeated France 29–28, but Servat maintained that their dismal performance against Ireland had nothing to do with their heartbreaking loss to England in their home World Cup.

“We didn’t think about the South Africa game at all as we prepared for the Ireland game,” he stated.

“South Africa’s experience was used in its preparation, but stigmata was not used in any form.

“The World Cup had no bearing on this match.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the Six Nations, Servat believes that France can bounce back, insisting that head coach Fabien Galthie and the rest of the squad and coaching team had analysed their failure and “we think we’ve found the keys to bouncing back very quickly”.

Changes for Scotland

France looks set to be without lock Paul Willemse for the clash against Scotland, with the second-rower facing a disciplinary hearing after he was sent off against Ireland.

Romain Taofifenua, who was a late withdrawal for the Ireland Test, is also a concern, which may result in teenage sensation Posolo Tuilagi earning a second cap.

While France will be forced to make some changes, Servat added that they would not be making sweeping changes in response to the round one result.

“You always have to expect small adjustments,” Servat added.

“(But) it would be a mistake to dismiss everything out of hand. For players to have confidence, they need to feel that we trust them. So don’t expect any huge changes.”