The French XV continues its preparation for the fall test matches, which begin on Saturday (9 p.m.) at the Stade de France against Japan. During the late afternoon session this Tuesday in the mist of Marcoussis (Essonne), the 42 players selected by Fabien Galthié worked on different phases of play, in real conditions and in small groups.
Only 23 players will remain to face Japan on Saturday. The composition will be announced this Thursday, after a final training session in Marcoussis on Wednesday. If we rely on the blue chasubles worn by the presumed holders this Tuesday, a composition emerges, led by the scrum half and captain, Antoine Dupont.
At the opening half and scorer position, it is still Thomas Ramos, usual full-back, who should start, to the detriment of Matthieu Jalibert, and in the absence of Romain Ntamack, forfeit. The pair of three-quarters should be rejuvenated, with the association of Bordelais Yoram Moefana (24 years old, 28 caps) and Palois Emilien Gailleton (21 years old, 3 caps), which could relegate the irremovable Gaël Fickou ( 30 years old, 90 caps) outside the starting XV.
Up front, Peato Mauvaka should start at hooker, supervised by pillars Jean-Baptiste Gros and Tevita Tatafu, who would have his first selection. In the 3rd line too, things are jostling. Another executive, Charles Ollivon, first captain of the Galthié era, could leave the group, in favor of Toulouse’s Alexandre Roumat. Another potential captain, Anthony Jelonch also seems to be ahead of him in the hierarchy.
“The shape of the moment”
“We work with a group of 42, and even around sixty counting those who are injured or at home,” explains Laurent Sempéré, coach of the conquest. The group continues to move forward, some going back and forth. We don’t necessarily take into account things other than the shape of the moment. » A way of saying that there is no longer a protected status for senior players of the French XV like Fickou and Ollivon?
“In the third line, we make choices between players of different profiles, which also depend on the opposition and the game we want to offer,” also explained Laurent Sempéré. Against Japan, Alexandre Roumat’s “reading of the game” should therefore be favored over the “power and speed” of Charles Ollivon, the coach suggests.
But the group could tour again afterwards. After Japan, two big games are on the menu: New Zealand on November 16, then Argentina on the 22nd, still at the Stade de France.
The possible XV to face Japan: Barré – Penaud, Moefana, Gailleton, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Dupont (cap.) – Roumat, Alldritt, Cros – Meafou, Flament – Tatafu, Mauvaka, Gros.
