Beauden Barrett Jersey: French Rival’s Top Display – All Blacks
Segonds: Facing the All Blacks Was My Best Season Yet
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France’s rising star reflects on a baptism of fire against the legendary All Blacks, finding unexpected strength in the challenge and drawing parallels between the intensity of the Top 14 and Test rugby.
The pressure was immense. For many of the selected French players, the opportunity to face the formidable All Blacks was a daunting prospect, especially with limited time to gel as a unit. Though, for one player, the challenge ignited a fire, transforming apprehension into an unshakeable resolve. Romain Segonds, a name increasingly whispered with anticipation in French rugby circles, found that the crucible of international competition, far from breaking him, forged him into a stronger player.
“Before the first Test,most of the selected players had only been working together for two weeks,” Segonds recalled. “I joined them after the [top 14] semifinal.So, I only had a few days of work to get up to speed with the others and learn the game plan.”
The initial strategy was clear: dominate territory and minimize errors.”That was to play in New Zealand’s half and avoid mistakes,” Segonds explained. “But during the series, we also realised that at Test level, there are no huge flights of fancy, everything is very strategic.”
A Reality Check in the Second Test
Despite a promising first Test performance, the subsequent match served as a stark reminder of the all Blacks’ pedigree. “There are no excuses here,” Segonds admitted candidly. “After the first Test, we thought we coudl compete, but the second Test brought us back to Earth. We were dominated from the start, and against them, when you concede three or four tries in rapid succession, it’s impractical to come back into the game.”
the team’s efforts to regroup in the second half proved insufficient. “We tried to pick ourselves up in the second half,but it was too late.”
Top 14 Intensity: A Crucial Planning
Despite the challenging results, Segonds found the transition to test match intensity surprisingly manageable, largely crediting his experience in France’s Top 14.The All Blacks’ rapid ball speed and swift clearing of rucks were a step up, but the overall intensity of the French domestic league had provided a robust foundation.
“But, in terms of intensity, our championship is very similar to a Test match,” Segonds stated. “The past season in the Top 14 helped me a lot to prepare for these first Tests.”
The haka: Motivation, Not fear
The pre-match ritual of facing the haka was a moment Segonds had anticipated, with family and friends eager to hear his thoughts. “It’s extraordinary, but I find it more motivating than scary, actually,” he revealed. “Being able to face them and look them straight in the eye really stimulated me before the match.The more I watched the All Blacks, the more I was looking forward to the fight.”
Looking Ahead: Club and Competition
With a month’s break on the horizon,Segonds will return to his club,focusing on preparations for the upcoming season. His future prospects, he acknowledges, will be influenced by the performances of fellow fly-halves such as Ntamack, Jalibert, and Thomas Ramos. Though, he views this internal competition as a positive force for French rugby.
“The competition among them woudl be good for France, and him, as he plays against them so often.”
An Unforgettable Experience
Ultimately, the memory of the tour is etched in his mind, a defining chapter in his burgeoning career. “Facing the All Blacks wearing the French jersey…I had my best season as a professional rugby player.”