Two absences which could weigh heavily for the XV of France. Winger Damian Penaud and third row François Cros are not available to face the All Blacks on Saturday evening (9:10 p.m.) at the Stade de France, according to information from L’Equipe that we can confirm. The two men, executives of Fabien Galthié’s group, will miss the most anticipated meeting of the Blues’ autumn tour against the vice-world champions. The two men will not be replaced, the federation announced late in the morning.
The first, announced starter against Japan on Saturday evening, had already had to give up the match against the Japanese due to illness. The Bordeaux-Bègles player is still unwell, and has even returned to rest in Gironde, according to the sports daily. The second started the very large victory (52-12) for the French before leaving at the break. If he was confident the day after the match about his participation in the clash against New Zealand, medical examinations revealed a concussion for the Stade Toulouse player. Which forces him to stay in the stands.
At the same time, uncertainty still reigns around the case of second row Thibaud Flament. Released in the first period on Saturday evening, the player was hit in the iliac crest. If the first echoes are reassuring, caution still remains in place regarding his presence on the pitch on Saturday evening. In terms of good news, the French XV should find its usual right pillar Uini Atonio, injured in the calf and absent against the Japanese.
Boudehent and Villière holders?
Fabien Galthié’s men will train this Tuesday afternoon in Marcoussis. A session which will allow us to see the probable team set to start against New Zealand. The favorite to replace François Cros in the third row is Paul Boudehent, author of a double on Saturday evening. On the wing, the French staff must also deal with the loss of Théo Attissogbe, replacing Damian Penaud at the last minute on Saturday evening. Gabin Villière, starter during the 2022 Grand Slam, could take the opportunity to celebrate his first selection since a World Cup match against Uruguay (27-12) in September 2023.
The New Zealanders also have notable absences to deplore. Hit in the head during the victory in Ireland on Friday evening, third row Sam Cane (103 caps) will not be able to play at the Stade de France. Winger Mark Tele’a, author of a double against the Blues during the last World Cup and the winning try in England ten days ago, is also on the flank.
