Croydon (UK) - Revenue in France three years ago with the goal of playing the World Cup, flyhalf Frederic Michalak has somehow achieved its goal, this time by leaving his costume of child- Taulier prodigy for that of the Blues.
That's the unpredictable raw talent of the 2003 World Cup, then moved to the hinge to blow the game the Blues, 12 years later became a senior 32 years, inspiring confidence and serenity to its partners.
Michalak, quietly sitting on his 73 caps, will officiate and except surprise, the opening of the XV of France on Saturday against Italy at Twickenham for the first game of the English World (September 18 to October 31), his third personal edition. A new chapter in its long and chaotic history in Blue but also personal pride for those who swear that "there is nothing more beautiful in a career of playing a World Cup."
"I was in South Africa (between 2011 and 2012) and went back to that objective," he recalls. "With my wife, children, my family, we thought a lot about that. + + Objective World Cup, that was it every day, in our way of seeing things, meals ... I knew my wife supported me it was nice, even in difficult times, injuries, still believed it. It helped me a lot. "
- "At 37, it's not bad" -
Was a time when few believed in Michalak back in control of the game of the France team. Exiled in Durban and then shelved in the era Lievremont (2008-2011), it was quickly reminded by Philippe Saint-André, who had made his early opener No.1 June 2012.
But injuries, sawtooth performance and sometimes tense relations with management have drawn a decidedly circuitous route ... to the summons to prepare for the World Cup in May, when he was still recovering from a shoulder surgery.
"Recent years have been complicated, especially compared to the injuries," says the center Bastareaud, his teammate at Toulon and Blue. "It has not been spared in Toulon, with the competition. But having the confidence of someone (coach Philippe Saint-Andre, Ed) to 200% and especially his teammates, it helps any player. "
For it is with the holder status Michalak addresses this World Cup, concluding a period of procrastination if this strategic post where his valuable experience has finally triumphed.
"This is his third World Cup: 37 years is not bad" jokes Bastareaud. "It is clear that just reassures everyone behind. It's a bit all young wolves. So having a big brother like that is necessarily reassuring, although we must not only rely on him."
- "Like a Boy" -
More sedate, inevitably, that 12 years ago when he burst on the global scene, Michalak logically integrated the battalion Lieutenant Captain Thierry Dusautoir, with special voice over tactical issues.
"2003 I had discussed with great joy, it was the wonderful world of Walt Disney," he recalls. "I was very happy to be there, I did not ask me 10,000 questions. I'll ask a little more now but that's normal, it is key positions where the whole strategy involves us. We tries to participate to the fullest with the coaches. "
And it is with a certain placidity eyeing that Saturday's match, adorned with a "right pressure".
"It is for more than two months in a preparation towards that objective," he says. "Today it is. Physically, we are ready, mentally as well. Personally, I try to approach it with great serenity. I can not do this game before, I do not know how it will happen . "
Teased about his age and his long career, Michalak answers be "like a boy" who "try to enjoy every moment" of this World Cup, most likely his last. With a hope: "I think that the best is to come and look forward to great things to tell my kids later
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