France's head coach Fabien Galthié reacts to the draw

Fabien Galthié, head coach

On his feelings after the draw:

"This live draw has projected us straight into the competition – it already feels like tomorrow, and we’re ready for it. We will fully respect our opponents. When you look ahead, you can imagine a pathway that could take us to a quarter-final, or even a semi-final against either Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, who together account for nine world titles."

On the absence of European teams in the pool and whether starting against more "approachable" opponents helps, or whether he would have preferred a tougher opening challenge:

"We have no particular preference. A Rugby World Cup is a very long competition. Among all the major sporting events, it is the longest when you compare it to the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup. With the introduction of a round of 16, it has become nearly a two-month tournament with potentially seven matches for the semi-finalists. That is extremely demanding.

"In our pool, we know Japan well, and we have faced the United States at a World Cup before. This pool looks accessible, even though we hold a great deal of respect for every opponent."

On whether he is generally pleased with the draw:

"Watching the draw live always stirs something inside you. You feel a certain joy when you start to imagine and project yourself into the competition, because it awakens that deep desire to be part of it.

"When you see the draw and all those teams together, you realise that our sport is developing quite well. And when you look at our potential pathway, it feels magnificent, almost grandiose."

On the USA:

"The last time we played them was in Japan in 2019. They compete in a tournament in the Americas where they often face Chile, Uruguay or Argentina. Their environment does not often allow them to play European teams. For the global game, facing major rugby nations is a very positive thing for them. World Rugby’s ambition is to reach out to new rugby territories, and this is potentially one of them."

On building momentum through the tournament:

"It’s ideal for building momentum, because the round of 16 and the quarter-final are shaping up to be very tough, but we must always respect our opponents. For the coaching staff and the France squad, it really allows us to project ourselves forward. It already feels like tomorrow, and at the same time there is a time window that can allow many players to be part of this journey. It provides a very clear objective, both individually and collectively."

On holding the draw two years in advance given possible changes in the world hierarchy:

"I don’t necessarily see the hierarchy changing that much. Football is not facing the same constraints. Having the draw early allows all nations to know well in advance where their base camps will be and which stadiums they will play in. For supporters, it represents a significant commitment – it’s a long-haul destination for everyone. On a global scale, two years is a good timeframe."

On the added pressure of already being spoken about as potential semi-finalists, and wanting to win the tournament:

"Pressure is always there, and that’s normal. Beyond the fact that we haven’t reached the semi-finals since 2011, what I see above all is that the French team has never won this competition. That is our ambition. I say it clearly. The France team has never achieved it, and our ambition is to do so."