This year will definitely be one of the more interesting ones, both at the world level and in Serbian rugby. We did a nice interview with Mišel Milović where we touched on several interesting topics. Among other things, we discussed a little about the World Cup, which has never been more open, where several teams can win the title of world champion. It is particularly interesting that the World Cup is in France, so the impact will be felt quite a bit in Serbia as well.
However, it was more interesting to discuss the Serbian national team and obligations in the spring part of the season. Milović took over the helm of the national team in September 2021 and since then, in 6 games, he recorded 5 wins and one narrow defeat against Bulgaria away from home 14-11. The progress of Serbia, which has become a winning team, is evident. We can’t remember the last time it happened that we had all the victories in one year. In general, the culture of the national team is established, the atmosphere is good and relations are at a high level. Which is a prerequisite for good results.
Rugby.rs: You have been in rugby for more than 40 years, how much has rugby changed now compared to when you started as a young athlete?
Mišel Milović: I experienced the entire evolution of rugby in my career, from amateur to professional. The rules have changed a lot in favor of offensive play. Also, the players have evolved athletically and the defenses have improved a lot. It is very good for rugby. Referees are respected and protected by disciplinary sanctions.
Rugby.rs: This year the World Cup is in France, how do the French perceive it?
Mišel Milović: In France, we have the best national championship in the world with TOP14, as well as PRO D2, which is a big deal for us. Rugby is the national sport, almost as popular as football. Everyone is looking forward to the World Cup and the victory of France in this world tournament. The World Cup in France is a very good communication tool for the development and promotion of rugby throughout Europe.
Rugby.rs: How long will you manage to see off the World Cup? Which matches are you planning to watch?
Mišel Milović: I will follow all the matches and of course I will support France, but I will also watch New Zealand, which I admire a lot because of their game.
Rugby.rs: In your opinion, which national team plays the most beautiful rugby, who do you like to follow and watch?
Mišel Milović: Of course, I like to watch France, which has been playing very good rugby for several years. New Zealand and Scotland are two very good teams to watch. I also like Argentina.
Rugby.rs: In your opinion, who will play in the World Cup Final?
Mišel Milović: Logically, I see France against New Zealand or South Africa. Unlike football, surprises rarely happen in rugby.
Rugby.rs: Which players will mark the World Cup? Who are you planning to see off in particular?
Michel Milović: Dupont is the best player in the world and will make France shine at the World Cup. There will certainly be plenty of discoveries among the young players.
Rugby.rs: You took over the National Team of Serbia last year, and after the initial defeat against Bulgaria, we recorded 5 victories in a row. How much did our team progress from the first game to the last?
Mišel Milović: Of course, the team progressed thanks to the experienced players who set an example in every match and pushed the youngsters to the top. I’m just a technician helping them play good rugby. Without my coaches, my leaders and my players, I can’t do anything. I love my coaches and my players and I know it’s not easy for them in a country where rugby is not a popular sport. Thanks to our 5 consecutive victories, and especially because of our very offensive game, we are starting to hear about rugby in Serbia and we have to continue working with the youth. There is a very good atmosphere in the group and the players enjoy playing together with the national team. The players gained confidence and improved with each game. It’s a shame we don’t have more games to play to further improve.
Rugby.rs: The last match in our group awaits us against Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 29th April in away game. What do you think about the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where are they particularly strong?
Mišel Milović: Bosnia and Herzegovina is very strong with players from abroad, especially in the scrum, in the first line. It is a game based on physical challenge and strength. There are very good players and if we are not ready for the war on the pitch then we can lose a lot. Our defense is very good, but it is still fragile in duels (1 vs. 1). We still have problems in this segment in our matches. We are working a lot in this area and the players are improving from game to game.
Rugby.rs: Last year we made a feat of sorts and celebrated away for the first time with a score of 38-19, where we took home a bonus point. However, it will be difficult to repeat such a result two years in a row. Will Bosnia and Herzegovina be more prepared compared to the last match?
Mišel Milović: I don’t think it’s an achievement, especially with the bonus win. We prepared well for this match and analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of our opponent. The players fought very well and were extremely fast in the open game, we tired them, they didn’t have enough free space to play their game and score points. Bravo! I hope the 29th April, all my players will be present at this big gathering. I count on them to accept the challenge of winning in Bosnia. With my coaches, we will prepare the players well. Trust me!
Rugby.rs: Will the key to the game be in the scrum? In the last match, Bosnia and Herzegovina pushed us and we had difficulties with the flow of the ball. Will we manage to consolidate our scrum in statics?
Mišel Milović: If I have all my players, we will have a good scrum and we will be able to show everyone that we know how to play with our scrums who are very mobile and extremely strong.
Rugby.rs: There is an excellent improvement in the outside and open play, is speed and explosiveness our advantage?
Mišel Milović: Yes, we have quality young and experienced players and it is important to have good game leaders (9 and 10) to increase the speed of the ball flow. We work a lot on launching a quick game and quick circulation on the outside with a very good third line that is very quick in support.
Rugby.rs: We can safely say that one of our advantages is a long bench, and that in relation to all the national teams in our group. How much of an advantage is it when we have fresh players who can close the game in the very finish?
Mišel Milović: The bench is very important, but you have to know how to use it at the right moment. It’s not always easy to train and that’s often what makes the difference.
Rugby.rs: On the two occasions when you were the coach of Serbia, you are known as someone who likes to give young rugby players a chance. Can our young rugby players successfully succeed the experienced ones who have been performing for many years?
Mišel Milović: I always gave everyone a chance. Rather, I would say that our more experienced ones are still progressing thanks to our young people who are pushing them. Our elders help the youth gain confidence and maturity. That is the hallmark of our Serbian team. Everyone is 100% involved in training and matches. I take care that there is a good mentality in the national team. I want big minded players!
Rugby.rs: During your previous tenure, several players got the opportunity to play in France. Do our young prospects have the necessary quality to continue their career in one of the French clubs or academies?
Mišel Milović: Today, bringing players to France is very complicated. France prioritizes its own players, but if young foreign players with potential are spotted, France will welcome them into its academy centre. In Serbia, we have a good generation of young players who deserve to pass tests in big French clubs in order to integrate into the academy. We will speak to the players in question to assess their motivation to go and play abroad.
Rugby.rs: How young should a player work on himself to be able to take advantage of the opportunity to play abroad? Everything is looked at in modern sports, where in addition to technique and skill, you must have the necessary physical and mental strength.
Mišel Milović: Everything is checked with a magnifying glass. Mental, physical, technical and perceptive potential. Players must understand that it takes a lot of physical and technical work to pass the tests. Each player must develop the technique of the game in his position, but also the general individual technique that applies to all (passes and tackles).
Rugby.rs: What do you have to say to young players in Serbia?
Mišel Milović: Be ambitious and get ready for April. Be selfish and think about your individual performance. Athletic preparation and nutrition are very important for high-level success and injury avoidance.
Rugby.rs: Rugby as a sport has changed a lot over the years. The game has sped up a lot. We now have players in the post position who actively participate in open play, where they are able to pass the ball from the center of the pitch to the touchline. What will the rugby player of the future look like in your opinion?
Mišel Milović: The rugby player adapts to the rules of the game. If the knockdown rule is changed, i.e. if the rule is introduced that there are no knockdowns above the hips, there will be a lot of open play and tries. If this affects the rule of counter-attacks, that is, if the player cannot steal the ball from the attack, then we will have basketball results.
Rugby.rs: Do you think that our national team has the necessary quality for the group above, that is, for Conference 1 South?
Mišel Milović: Yes, we have the level to play in Conference 1, but we must have more games and a preparatory camp. The best practice is high level matches. There is no miracle. To play up, you have to push players up.
