France Faces Wales Shorthanded but Resolute for grand Slam
The French national rugby team will be missing two key players when thay face Wales in Cardiff on Friday. Winger Damian Penaud and second-row Romain Taofifenua have tested positive for Covid-19 and will be unable to participate. This news comes as a blow to the team,who are aiming for a Grand slam victory in the Six Nations Tournament.
Despite these absences, coach Fabien Galthié has named a strong squad, with Yoram Moefana stepping in for Penaud on the wing.Moefana has impressed in this year’s tournament and will be looking to continue his good form. Gabin Villière, who suffered a facial injury against ireland, returns to the starting lineup, bolstering the backline.
Captain Antoine Dupont, who briefly left training on Tuesday due to a biceps knock, has been cleared to play and will partner with Romain ntamack at half-back. Gaël Fickou, who was sidelined with a minor illness, has also been declared fit and will start in the center alongside Jonathan Danty.
The powerful grégory Alldritt, who was also dealing with a minor ailment, will anchor the back row alongside Anthony Jelonch and François Cros. In the second row, Cameron Woki will partner with Paul Willemse.
The bench,dubbed the “finishers,” has been adjusted to accommodate the Covid-related absences. Five forwards and three backs will be available for substitutions, including the experienced Mohamed Haouas, who replaces Demba Bamba.
France, the only team remaining with a chance to achieve a Grand Slam this year, has won its last three encounters against Wales, including a thrilling 27-23 victory at the Principality Stadium in 2021.
A win in Cardiff would keep France on track for their first Grand Slam as 2010, setting the stage for a decisive final match against England at the Stade de France.
The XV of France Lineup:
Backs: Jaminet, Moefana, Fickou, Danty, Villière, Ntamack, Dupont (captain)
Forwards: jelonch, Alldritt, Cros, willemse, Woki, Atonio, Marchand, Baille
Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Haouas, Flament, cretin, Lucu, Ramos, Lebel
Can France Overcome Shorthanded Setbacks for a Grand Slam?
Joining us today is former French national rugby team captain and legendary flanker, Thierry Dusautoir, to discuss France’s crucial Six Nations tie against Wales this Friday.
Thierry, France enters this match with a chance to clinch a Grand Slam, but they’ll be missing key players damian Penaud and Romain Taofifenua due to Covid-19. How meaningful a blow is this?
Thierry Dusautoir: it’s never ideal to lose players of Penaud and Taofifenua’s caliber, especially going into a match of this magnitude. Penaud brings that electric spark on teh wing, while Taofifenua is a rock in the second row. their absence will definitely be felt, but France has depth, and this is an chance for others to step up and prove themselves.
Coach Galthié has named a strong squad with Yoram Moefana replacing Penaud. Moefana has impressed in this tournament. Do you think he’s ready to handle the pressure of this big match?
Thierry dusautoir: Moefana is a talented player and has shown glimpses of brilliance. Stepping into Penaud’s shoes won’t be easy, but he’s got the potential to make a real impact. he just needs to back himself and trust his instincts.
we’ve seen some late fitness concerns for key players like Gareth Dupont and Gaël Fickou. How reassuring is it to have them both declared fit?
Thierry Dusautoir: Antoine Dupont is the heartbeat of this team. His leadership and ability to dictate the tempo are invaluable. Having him and Fickou back gives France a massive boost mentally and tactically. their experience will be crucial in Cardiff.
This French team boasts firepower throughout the squad. Do you see any particular matchups that could be decisive in this encounter?
Thierry Dusautoir: The battle in the back row will be captivating. Jelonch,Alldritt,and Cros are a formidable trio,but Wales have their own impressive back row.
The contest between French center Jonathan Danty and Wales’ powerful midfielder, George North will be a physical and skillful confrontation.
France has won their last three encounters against Wales, including a thrilling victory in Cardiff in 2021. Do you think France has a psychological edge going into this game?
Thierry Dusautoir: Past results can provide confidence, but this Wales team is perilous. their fighting spirit and ability to upset the odds should never be underestimated. This match will be a tight contest, decided by fine margins.
Thierry, what’s your prediction for the game?
Thierry Dusautoir:* I believe France will edge out Wales in a hard-fought encounter. The French pack will be dominant, giving Dupont and Ntamack the platform to create scoring opportunities. However,Wales will make them fight for every inch.
It’ll come down to who makes fewer mistakes and handles the pressure better in the final quarter.
Readers, what are your thoughts on France’s chances against Wales? Can they overcome these shorthanded setbacks and secure another victory on their path to a Grand Slam? We’d love to hear your predictions in the comments below.
