1695321673When you play in an atmosphere like this, there’s always something extraBackrow Ollivon spoke of the team’s excitement about playing in Marseille:
“It’s a stadium that speaks to everyone. Everyone knows the atmosphere here when Olympique de Marseille play. Everyone saw the incredible atmosphere in November for the match against South Africa.
“I remember one of (Cheslin) Kolbe’s penalties. We looked at each other and couldn’t understand what was going on because there was so much noise. These things leave their mark.
“Every time, these are incredible matches. The atmosphere remains in this cauldron. The noise stays, the emotions stay – I get the impression that the pitch is shaking a bit. It’s a real pleasure for us. The spectators enjoy coming here too.
“It’s exciting to come and play in this stadium, and we’ll be keen to play a good match so that we can enjoy it. When you play in an atmosphere like this, there’s always something extra. That’s why it’s so appealing to players in general.”
Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 19:41
1695321376Charles Ollivon dicusses the importance of a win against Namibia“We’re going to focus on winning the match and building our victory. Obviously, we’re going to give our all to do the things we’ve been working on all week, to put our game in place, to be clear in our play, to go out with a smile and enjoy a great evening and have a good week afterwards. Yes, there’s pressure, but it’s great to be here. We’re lucky to be here.”
Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 19:36
1695321120Raphaël Ibanez on Namibia France’s general manager said: “It’s difficult to judge and look back on past performances. Namibia has always figured well in the World Cup. They fully deserve their place in the tournament.
“There are players whose life paths are different from ours in France and Europe. Some players go to South Africa and other countries to find game-time. For them, it’s not always easy to build a group and a collective. But when it comes to wearing the jersey with the national team, there’s no doubt about their commitment.”
Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 19:32
1695320791Namibia team newsAllister Coetzee has made nine changes to his team to face France from the side that lost to New Zealand, including five changes to the forwards. If PJ van Lill features from the bench, he will join Hugo Horn, Jacques Burger, Tinus du Plessis, Johnny Redelinghuys and Heino Senekal on second-most RWC matches of all-time on 11, three behind Eugene Jantjies who holds the record on 14.
Here’s how Namibia line up: Andre van der Bergh, Gerswin Mouton, Johan Deysel (capt.), Danco Burger, JC Greyling, Cliven Loubser, Jacques Theron, Desiderius Sethie, Louis van der Westhuizen, Johan Coetzee, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Adriaan Ludick, Max Katjijeko, Johan Retief, Prince Gaoseb.
Replacements:Obert Nortje, Jason Benade, Haitembu Shifuka, PJ Van Lill, Richard Hardwick, Oela Blaauw, Alcino Izaacs, Divan Rossouw
Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 19:26
1695320329France team news Fabien Galthié has made 12 changes to his starting team from last week’s victorious side against Uruguay last weekend. Only Cameron Woki, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and Anthony Jelonch retain their places. A total of ten players who played in France’s World Cup curtain-raiser against New Zealand return to the side.
Jonathan Danty returns to the starting XV for the first time since 27 August, when he scored a try against the Wallabies. Wing Damian Penaud provides a serious try-scoring threat and is currently on a five-game try-scoring streak, and is the leading try-scorer for Les Bleus with nine.
Here’s how France will line up this evening: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (capt.), Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament, François Cros, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Jelonch.
Replacements: Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Baptiste Couilloud, Yoram Moefana, Melvyn Jaminet.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 19:18
1695319353Welcome to France vs NamibiaGood evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of this evening’s Rugby World Cup matches.
Hosts France travel to Stade Vélodrome in Marseille where they will meet Pool A opponents Namibia, who currently sit bottom of the table. Stay tuned for live coverage including team news, quotes, and match updates.
Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 19:02
1695318769Is France vs Namibia on TV? Channel, start time and how to watchAfter a stuttering showing from their second string against Uruguay, France will hope to find top gear again with Namibia their third Rugby World Cup opponents.
Fabien Galthie has returned most of his first-choice starters to his side for the hosts’ third pool fixture at their home tournament.
Namibia suffered a heavy defeat against New Zealand last time out and will fear befalling similar fate here.
But the performances of Uruguay and Portugal last week showed that many of the so-called minnows can punch above their weight, and Allister Coetzee will hope that his side can produce a better account of themselves.
Karl Matchett21 September 2023 18:52
