Galthie sets his sights on London's bid
Fabien Galthie plans to orchestrate the destruction of England's World Cup rugby dream here on Sunday, before turning his attention to scuppering London's 2012 Olympic bid.
It is believed that the French captain is to take up a significant role in Paris's bid to land the Games after his distinguished international career ends here next week.
Sources say the 34-year-old, who has just two more matches left to play for his country - Sunday's semi-final clash and either the third-place play-off or final - has agreed to take up an offer from the Paris 2012 organisers to play an important part in the push, even perhaps taking a role on the bid committee.
"Fabien will do media work for Canal Plus and he's already agreed with the city council in Paris to play a big part in the bid," one source revealed.
With Galthie's charisma, organisers clearly fancy the local Stade Francais hero would prove a huge asset in Paris's battle to outpace London, among other contenders, in the race for the Games.
Yet for the moment, Galthie is only concerned with fulfilling his final ambition in rugby and insists he is overseeing a French side blessed with the sort of composure and spirit he's rarely seen. "I had the same feeling in 2002 when we won our Six Nations Grand Slam," he explained. "I'm confident the team have the all-round strengths to win the Cup. But we still regard England as the best team in the world for the last two or three years.
"I said before the Ireland game that it could be my very last game, that it was win or nothing, and that it would be the end of the road for Keith Wood or myself."
Well, Wood has departed but the man that coach Bernard Laporte says was "born to lead" keeps marching on. "It's my last chance to win the trophy," Galthie said. "The legs may be old but my mind is still young."
