Dupont, Atonio and Flament spared… The last echoes before France-All Blacks

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After the overwhelming victory against Japan (52-12), the French XV will meet New Zealand this Saturday, November 16 at the Stade de France (9:10 p.m. on TF1). Facing a reinvigorated All Blacks after their success in Ireland (13-23), Fabien Galthié is forced to juggle withdrawals following the match against the Japanese. And this Tuesday, no less than 3 players were spared. Here are the first echoes on D-4 before France-All Blacks.

Dupont, Atonio and Flament spared

First surprise: the captain Antoine Dupont was spared this Tuesday. Upon inquiry, we were assured that it was nothing serious. The Toulouse player should be present on Wednesday during the last training before the announcement of the team composition, scheduled for Thursday (11 a.m.).

Hit on the odds against Japan and released in the first period, the second row Thibaud Flament was also away this Tuesday at the CNR in Marcoussis. He was accompanied by Win Anthonystill struggling with a calf, and who had not trained collectively last week before France-Japan. There was no need for pessimism, however, regarding Flament and Atonio.

Fickou and Buros with the holders

It is therefore difficult to get an idea of ​​the probable composition of the XV of France. However, some strong choices were noticeable. Gaël Fickou (91 caps) wore the starting chasuble with Yoram Moefana. A pair of winning crosses in the last match against the New Zealanders. The most capped of the Blues replaced Émilien Gailleton who, for his third selection against Japan, scored his second try for the French team.

At the back, Romain Buros wore the titular chasuble. The Union Bordeaux-Bègles fullback, adept at sparkling restarts and skilful under high balls, could be preferred to Léo Barré, the height of a lackluster performance against the Brave Blossoms. Buros would be on pole to honor his first cap against the All Blacks: quite a baptism of fire.

Boudehent and Villière to compensate for the packages

Following the loss of François Cros (concussion), Paul Boudehent took his place on the starting side alongside Charles Ollivon and Grégory Alldritt, Alexandre Roumat being positioned in 2^e line. The third wing line from La Rochelle impressed against the Japanese, particularly with his first two tries with the XV of France.

Ill and forced to give up the match against Japan, Damian Penaud will be absent against New Zealand. Gabin Villière should also take advantage of Théo Attissogbe's package to make his return with the France team. Their last meeting dates back to the 2023 World Cup group match against Uruguay.

Clément Mazella (with Nicolas DENDRI in Marcousis)

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