XV of France. Which 42-man squad for the first leg of the 6 Nations Tournament in Italy?
France XV coach Fabien Galthié put it in half-sentences during the November tour: less than a year after the World Cup (September 8 to October 28), he will bet on the stability of his workforce. This Tuesday, January 17, he will announce the squad of 42 players selected to prepare for the trip to Italy on Sunday, February 5 (4pm) for the first day of the 6 Nations Tournament.
Unsurprisingly, the Blues will rely on their strong men, the men behind the 13-match winning streak that began in November 2021. But they will also have to face big packs like central title Jonathan Danty. Overview.
Basic packages
He is the most annoying to Fabien Galthié and his assistants. At the beginning of January, he hit his hamstring against Perpignan, Jonathan Danti forfeited for all 6 Nations Tournaments. The center of Stade Rochelais was damaged during the fight. The 30-year-old (18 caps) has been the manager of the Blues since the November tour of 2021. The former Stade Français player chose not to transfer in order not to risk his chances of participating in the World Cup. operating table.
other international shipping, Pierre Bourgarit Jonathan will be out for two to three months with the same injury as Danti. Last fall, she rose to third place behind Julien Marchand in the hierarchy of whores in the selection. Peato Mauvaka.
The latter will also miss the start of the Tournament. At the end of last week, Toulouse underwent surgery for a broken finger. He could make a comeback during the race. Meanwhile, the tricolor management will have to find another lining for Julien Marchand.
In turn, the wing defender Gabin Villiers a string of physical handicaps since last spring. Currently in hospital, he hopes to be able to resume training by the end of the month. “It might be fair for the tournament, but you never know”grumbled to the coach last week.
Teammate at Rade, Jean-Baptiste GrosHe is still rehabilitating from a broken arm suffered in late October. Finally, Arthur Vincentwho has a serious knee injury, has already been confiscated.
Important feedback
During the November tour – which ended with three successes in as many matches (Australia, South Africa, Japan) – the French coaches had to perform without three grand slams: Paul Williams, Melvin Jaminet and Francois Cros. The first two cities have since returned to the field. Owners should logically reapply for the starting XV before they get hurt.
A deal for Stade Toulouse’s third line could be more complicated. Francois Kroos has resumed training, but he is still not back on the field. He could do it on January 22, with his club, two weeks before the start of the tournament. The stalwart of the squad, Rouge et Noir, will undoubtedly be invited to Markoussis to prepare for the trip to Italy. But knowing that the third line is a very competitive sector for the Blues, will he be considered fit to start the game? That’s the question.
Leaders in a meeting
Doubt wrapped around his broad shoulders Winnie Atonio. On January 7, the Stade Rochelais right column hit his knee in a match against Toulouse. His participation in the Tournament was doubted for a while. But Fabien Galthié was confident about the health condition of the New Zealand-born player. talked about “good news” and clarified it “must be ready for boot camp”. “He’s got a bit of a torn meniscus, he’s used to that kind of injury.”in turn, said Sebastien Boboul, coach of the sea back.
In November Thomas Ramos Melvyn had completed all three tests using Jaminet’s package. Keen on the run and adept against the poles, he scored points in a duel for the number 15 with his teammate in Toulouse. But the former Columérin may have lost credit since then. In mid-December, he was sent off against Sale in the Champions Cup after a humorous gesture. Having been suspended for five weeks, he will be eligible again from January 23 and should be called up to the 42-man squad. However, his attitude displeased the coach. “We’re not in rugby, we’re in emotional control, identified the latter. This is also important. A great rugby player must know how to control himself. »
In turn, regular officials who have played in Grand Slams and/or the fall tour will be there. We can quote here Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Thibaud Flament, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Vokey, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamak, Gael Fickow and Damian Penaudamong others.
And some surprises?
France’s XV will begin their last straight run to the World Cup. In that perspective, the staff will rely on the players it has installed since taking over three years ago to develop more size and overall experience. As long as the autumn leaves the likes of Cameron Voki and Romain Ntamak, he maintains faith in his regular owners. “Collective experience and what these players have written before counts, coach answered those wondering about the bad form of the second city. The task of memory is important. The unity of this team makes it strong. »
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He confirmed this philosophy last week: “There are no new faces in the attackers. » For the three-quarterback line affected by Jonathan Danty’s package, he revealed some of the names he’s keeping a close eye on: Julien Delbouis and Leo Barre (French stadium), Ethan Dumortier (Lyon), Romain Buros and Louis Bielle-Barrey (Bordeaux).
