France are chasing their first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2010 and former Vodacom Bulls lock Paul Willemse is at the heart of a French pack that he says is the best in the business.
“We know internally how good we are,” Willemse told The Guardian. “Inside the camp we believe we have the best pack in the world.”
Les Bleus will have a chance to prove they’ve got the best pack in Europe when they face 2019 World Cup finalists England on Saturday, but they’ll have to wait until at least the end of the year to measure themselves against the world champions.
Schooled at Monument in Krugersdorp, Willemse appeared to be on track for Springbok honours after making five appearances for the triumphant Junior Boks in 2012.
But when then Bok coach Heyneke Meyer announced a squad of 80 players in preparation for the 2015 World Cup, it did not include Willemse’s name.
Dernière ligne droite ⏳
? Images @FranceRugby / Bastien Mathieu#XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #FRAANG pic.twitter.com/7Fzx4knDT3
— Paul Willemse (@PaulWillemse4) March 17, 2022
In a wide-ranging interview, the former Bulls bruiser discusses his move to France and inevitable call-up to their national team where he has become a mainstay. Willemse admits that his emotions run riot before kick-off in every Test he’s played since debuting for Les Bleus in 2019.
Willemse will pack down at No 5 for France against England on Saturday in Paris, where Fabien Galthie’s men could win the Six Nations Grand Slam and title for the first time since 2010.
“When I started singing La Marseillaise I knew in that single moment that I had closed the door on my childhood dream,” he said. “I remember feeling overwhelmed with emotion. Even now, thinking about it, I feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting emotions I felt that day.”
There is also a strong possibility that 2023 Rugby World Cup hosts France will meet the Boks, who are the defending world champions, in the knockout stages of the competition.
So, how would Willemse feel if he had to line up to sing La Marseillaise, with his former countrymen doing the same for Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika? “I’m not sure,” he said. “I might experience those conflicting emotions all over again.”
