Gourdon happy to get reprieve after playing ‘s**t game’
Coach Jacques Brunel is demanding improvement from his loose forwards and reprieved No 8 Kevin Gourdon doesn’t want to look like a “damn fool” when France meet the All Blacks in tomorrow night’s second test in Wellington.
As a result, the best club talent from the French Top 14 club final on June 2 has been fast-tracked into the starting XV.
Mathieu Babillot from the victorious Castres and defeated Montpellier counterpart Kelian Galletier replace Judicael Cancoriet and Fabien Sanconnie as 6 and 7.
“We are upset with the flankers’ [performance] in the first test, and that is the reason why I have made the changes,” Brunel said.
Gourdon gets a chance to redeem himself at No 8, tempered by Brunel’s comments he “has revenge to take on the field, because he didn’t play a good first test”.
The loose forward was grateful for the opportunity. Gourdon’s more accustomed to the role of openside flanker, but believes that “playing No 8 is a good way to touch more balls” and increase his involvement in the game.
“I hope we will show our real game. I know that I did not play well. I was very angry. I said to Jacques: ‘I played a s**t game, I am aware of that. I know exactly my mistakes on the field.
“For me, it’s a second chance, I will try to do my best. I just have a little bit of pressure. Being on the field again is like a bond of trust from Jacques.
If I didn’t play, I could understand. It’s a good surprise.
“I looked like a damn fool, and I don’t like that.”
Sanconnie struggled for pace around the field, missed tackles and gave the impression he was on stilts with ball in hand.
Cancoriet ran lively lines to pressure the All Blacks defence early but struggled as the match advanced.
Brunel wants overarching improvement.
“We were lucky the All Blacks made the same mistakes as us in the first half [when France established an 11-8 lead].
“But why did we concede a lot of points like that in the second half? There was limited communication on the field between our players, and the All Blacks were of a higher standard.
“The new players will be fresh, bring enthusiasm and had good seasons for their clubs.”
“Their attack line is fast,” Galletier said of the All Blacks.
“We need to steal balls in order to organise our game. Our goal is to avoid their progression on the field, we need to be connected and make good choices.
“We must master two areas: our kicking and lost balls. After that, we will have control over our destiny.”
Elsewhere, Brunel has brought in Ben Fall for Maxime Medard at fullback, and Gael Fickou replaces wing Remy Grosso who suffered two fractures to his skull after a clash with Sam Cane and Ofa Tuungafasi.
Bernard Le Roux will start at lock.
him and Thurston and Morgan are out the back, it’s hard to make a decision whether to go in on Jason because he can also move the footy,” said Green.
“I think that’s his best position, but on the edge he can be just as dangerous — but he gets to touch the footy more in the middle than he would on the edge.”
Warriors lock Adam Blair agrees Taumalolo still poses a huge threat running in traffic, as there is still plenty of room to be found around and behind the play the ball.
“No way [is he easier to
handle],” said Blair. “For someone of his ability, wherever there’s space is the best place to use him, and at times you’re still going to find space in the middle.
“The most important thing for being able to use Jase most effectively is when there’s good ruck speed, because it’s hard when he’s coming off the back fence and coming at the defence when you can’t get off your line. That’s up to them.”
The Warriors are set to welcome back captain and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from an ankle injury, but David Fusitu’a was scratched from the side last night with Gerard Beale replacing him on the right wing. Back-up halfback Mason Lino is the other player to drop out of the squad.