The XV of France flies away this Wednesday for Cardiff, where it will play this Friday (9 p.m.) its match against Wales, for the 4th day of the Six Nations Tournament. Undefeated so far, the Blues of Fabien Galthié are in the race for a first Grand Slam in the competition since 2010. The French coach revealed this Wednesday the composition of his team for this decisive shock.
With two bad news for the French team, which fell this Wednesday morning: the packages of Damian Penaud and Romain Taofifenua, tested positive for Covid and placed in solitary confinement. “We learned this morning, while they were packing their bags, it is violent, very violent psychologically. We have a thought for them, for their families, for their friends. But we must continue. The replacements are ready,” said Fabien Galthié.
It is Yoram Moefana who is established on the wing in place of Damian Penaud, Matthis Lebel taking place on the bench. Romain Taofifenua, usual second line substitute, is not replaced on the bench, the staff of the Blues opting to keep only five forwards and three three-quarters, therefore, with the return of Lebel.
Dupont and Fickou restored, Haouas back on the bench
For the rest, the captain of the Blues, Antoine Dupont, slightly affected Tuesday in training, will be present. “The news is good, everything is fine,” noted Fabien Galthié. As well as Gaël Fickou, sick yesterday but on foot for Friday. Also note the expected return of Gabin Villière to the wing. The Toulonnais, injured in the sinus, had missed the victorious trip to Scotland on February 26.
In addition, on the bench, the right pillar of Montpellier Mohamed Haouas is back, in place of Demba Bamba. “He’s better, he’s good, very good, in training, he plays matches with Montpellier. He sends positive signs to his teammates, his partners, to the staff, underlined Fabien Galthié. We are of course thinking of Demba who is giving his all and who is also ready. »
The composition is not completely fixed since other packages for Covid cannot be excluded. “We are preparing for it. We are awaiting the directives of the Six Nations Committee, to find out if we will be retested tomorrow, ”warns Fabien Galthié.
The composition of the XV of France against Wales (this Friday at 9 p.m. in Cardiff):
Jaminet – Villière, Danty, Fickou, Moefana – (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap.) – Cros, Alldritt, Jelonch – Woki, Willemse – Baille, Marchand, Atonio. Replacements: Gros, Mauvaka, Haouas, Flament, Cretin, Lucu, Ramos, Lebel.
