Freddie Michalak: I hope to get better and better every game
Freddie Michalak will approach his revival as France’s playmaker for the World Cup by treating every minute on the pitch as his last.
Michalak finished with a 19-point haul comprising of five penalties and two conversions in Saturday’s 32-10 victory over Italy at Twickenham, his first appearance in the tournament since 2007.
The 32-year old, who has been restored as first-choice fly-half by head coach Philippe Saint-Andre after recovering from injury, expertly guided France to a solid if unspectacular win that hints at their potential.
“It’s good to be here with the team and to start well in the competition, and enjoy every moment like it’s your last one,” Michalak said.
“I hope to get better and better every game. I feel like new, but I can feel it in my legs – I’ve got cramps.
“It’s hard when you get injured. I think I was the only one who believed that I could be back in time to play at the World Cup – only me and my wife and family. And sometimes they had doubts.
“But it’s not enough to be here, I want to win something.”
France confirmed that wing Yoann Huget has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury with Saint-Andre calling up uncapped Castres wing Remy Grosso as his replacement.
