Jo Maso has fond memories, few regrets

Jo Maso has seen big changes in rugby during his 12 years as team manager of the French national team - and he says they've been all for the best.

He regrets that he never participated in the Rugby World Cup as a player - he appeared in his final Test in 1973, 14 years before the first tournament, after playing 25 times for France. But four RWCs, including this one, as France's team manager have helped to make amends.

And he has no problems with the advent of the professional era. "I don't like comparing ‘old’ and ‘modern’ rugby," he says. "It's like comparing Gone with the Wind with Avatar ... you can like both."

"More professionalism is good for our sport," he says. "Everything is better now.

Professionalism has increased media coverage, and improved logistics, refereeing and the fight against doping.”

The 66-year-old French manager has seen rugby evolve during his 12 years with Les Bleus.

Trust them

“In 1999, it was still the beginning. For me, the big change happened in 2007. The IRB did everything for the players to be able to focus on rugby. For instance, they made sure that from then on, players would be able to stay in ‘journalist free’ hotels. And you, the media, have also seen quite a few improvements which have made your work easier.”

What exactly does being manager of the French team involve? He answers with a smile: “My job is to love the others. I stay a little afar, observe and try to make sure that there is enough harmony within the group. In this RWC, some people pretend that there are tensions in the French team.

"All I can say is that is team are great, charming and I trust them. There is a great balance between rookies and more experienced players.”

He says he will cherish his memories of the current team, and of their predecessors. “I have an excellent memory, so imagine how many things I have remembered over the past years...”

Huge opportunity

What about 1999, when France beat New Zealand in the semi-finals, only to lose the final against Australia? “A great RWC. After some difficulties early in the tournament, we started to play well, against Argentina, for example. After we won the semi-final, I had tears in my eyes, which doesn’t happen to me often. And I have never seen such a sad dressing room as the All Blacks’ on that day.”

And 2003, when France lost to the eventual winners England in the semi-finals? “We had a huge opportunity to win the Cup. But it started to rain, and Wilkinson’s kicking game was perfect ... Our dressing room was as sad as that of the All Blacks four years earlier.”

His third RWC, in 2007, when France again lost to England in the semis? “That was huge. Argentina delivers a great match (to beat France in the pool stage), but we are safe. In the semi-finals, we are doing well. I remember Vincent Clerc, I already see him about to score, but then (England's Joe) Worsley comes back (to stop him). That’s it...”

And RWC 2011, with France assured of being in the quarter-finals despite losing to Tonga on Saturday? “We will have to beat the big teams to make it to the end of the tournament. Reaching the semi-final is a good goal. We have never missed them since I have been with this team.”