PARIS - Fabien Galthie's wounded Six Nations champions France host Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series on Saturday, looking to get over last weekend's humbling loss to four-time Rugby World Cup winners South Africa.
Last Saturday, Galthie was outsmarted by Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus as Les Bleus began their campaign with a humbling loss in Paris, in a repeat outcome of the World Cup quarter-final two years ago in the same stadium.
Galthie has now lost four straight games on the bounce, the former captain's worst run of results since he took over in December 2019.
"We have to be able to come through difficult moments," Galthie told reporters on Thursday.
"We have experienced a lot together.
"They are moments that have made us stronger.
"From Monday, the coaching staff and the players were back to work," the 56-year-old added before the game in Bordeaux.
Fiji head to the Stade Atlantique also having suffered a loss last weekend, when they were beaten by England at Twickenham.
"I think any international team that loses at home are going to be fired up the following week," head coach Mick Byrne told reporters on Thursday.
"They've had a loss at home and they're going to be really fired up.
"South Africa didn't do us any favours, that's for sure," the Australian added.
Galthie has recalled two experienced heads in No 8 Gregory Alldritt and lock Charles Ollivon after the loss to the Boks, as he made six changes to his side.