Fabien Galthié, the coach of the Blues, will reveal his 42-day group for the three fall test matches on Monday or Tuesday.
Three test matches to further progress, to confirm the fine performance of the last Six Nations Tournament which ended with France’s first Grand Slam since 2010. On the menu for the Blues this fall: Australia at the Stade de France ( November 5), then the South African world champions in Marseille (November 12) and finally a reunion with Japan, where the Tricolores had signed two successes last summer. For this crucial meeting against nations of the southern hemisphere with a view to the 2023 World Cup, Fabien Galthié and his staff will unveil on Monday, or at the latest on Tuesday, a group of 42 days. Overview of the forces involved.
Grand Slam essentials
Logically, the tricolor staff will rely on the members of its “standard team”, namely the “Chlemards” of the last Six Nations Tournament. With in particular the essential Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) which, according to information from The Teamkeep the Blues captain’s armband he had at the start of the year when Charles Ollivon (Toulon) was absent through injury. At the hinge, Dupont could be associated with his club partner, Romain Ntamack, who suffered a shin injury in mid-September but has just returned to competition. After a complicated start to the season, Matthew Jalibert (UBB) has recovered and should logically hold its place. From there to dislodge Ntamack? The third opener for the Blues should be Louis Carbonel (Montpellier), in view at the start of the financial year, sinceAntoine Hastoy (La Rochelle) was injured.
Another key player of the XV of France, Grégory Damn it (La Rochelle) will be present, with by his side Anthony Jelonch and Charles Ollivon. The pair of centers should, logically, again consist of Jonathan Danty (La Rochelle) and Gaël Fickou (Racing 92). Author of a good start to the season, Damian Penaud (Clermont) will hold his place on the wing. In the second line, Cameron Woki (Racing 92), in difficulty in his new club, should be associated again with Paul Willemse (Montpellier). At tailgating, Julien Marchand (Toulouse), one of the team’s executives, will also be present for the three tests.
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The brand absentees
Fabien Galthié will nevertheless have to deal with several absences among his executive players. It starts with Cyril Baille (Toulouse), essential to the post of left pillar but who was affected in the adductors and had to have surgery. His club mate Francois Cros (Toulouse) is also on the flank, he was hit in the knee and was also forced to switch to billiards.
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Behind, several players will also be missing. The winger Gabin Villière (Toulon), who had established himself as an indisputable starter, suffered an ankle injury. And after a first operation, he also had to undergo a second one recently. Another player appreciated by the staff, the three-quarter center (or winger) Arthur Vincent also had to forfeit. Back in June after nine months of absence, the French champion relapsed in September. He is going to have surgery on his left knee and is not sure if he will play again this season. The last tile concerns Melvyn Jaminet (Toulouse), who injured his ankle this Saturday against Brive. Upon receiving a candle, he felt his ankle “crack”. He is expected to be out for six weeks.
The possible returns
Because of this carnage which strikes the French internationals, the staff will be forced to recall certain players. Best scorer in the Top 14 (5 tries) and particularly sharp, Aliveret Raka (Clermont), should make his return in blue, he who had not been summoned since the final of the short-lived Autumn Cup of Nations lost against England (22-19 ap). According to information from The mountain, his return would be recorded. On the other hand, his teammate, the third row Arthur Fountain (Clermont), should not be. In the third line, Jordan Joseph (Pau), in view during the test matches in Japan this summer, and Ibrahim Diallo (Racing 92), present during the 2021 summer tour in Australia, could return to the France team.
After making a name for itself last summer in Japan, the third-line Yoan Stupid (La Rochelle) could once again have a chance. While his name was circulating to come to Marcoussis, the young and talented scrum-half Nolann LeGarrec (Racing 92) will still have to wait to make its international debut. Against LOU, he was hit in the lateral ligament of the knee. Recently, Fabien Galthié confided that he and his staff closely follow the winger or center of Stade Toulousain, Dimitri Delibes. The coach of the Blues had also mentioned the second line Bastien Chalureau (Montpellier), winger or fullback Louis Bielle-Biarrey (UBB) or the young fullback Enzo Benmegal (Racing 92). First elements of response very soon.
