Ve obviously know the adage, popularized by a former President of the Republic, according to which these “little things” (you know what…) fly in squadrons. Fabien Galthié was able to verify this in turn a few days before the climax of this November tour, the clash against New Zealand, Saturday evening (9:10 p.m.) at the Stade de France.
The large victory against Japan (52-12) left little questions unanswered about the real level of the Blues. She also rushed a package. Victim of a concussion, and replaced at the break, third row François Cros will not be able to face the Blacks. Despite the (solid) guarantees provided by his probable replacement, Paul Boudehent, author of two tries against the Japanese, it is a real blow. And it's not the only one.
Sheepish victim of a virus
If Thibaud Flament should be able to hold his place, despite the blow suffered to the iliac crest which forced him to come out after 30 minutes of play on Saturday – “that should not prevent him from applying”, declared William Servat, in charge of the forwards – two other major players in the French XV will not be able to hold their place.
“He is someone who will manage to rise with the event: I have great confidence in him”
Present in Marcoussis since last week, the right pillar of Stade Rochelais Uini Atonio was declared “too fair” to face the Blacks. “With his small relapses in his calf, Uini will most certainly not be able to apply until next week,” announced William Servat.
Last minute package against Japan, winger Damian Penaud returned to Bordeaux at the start of the week. Victim of a virus, still ill, he is not at 100% of his capacity to prepare. Tuesday morning, those around him said that he was just as uncertain for the last test of the tour against Argentina.
This is all a lot before facing a team that has two wins in England and Ireland. Too much ? The most sensitive undoubtedly began to think so when they saw Antoine Dupont being confined to the edge of the field. The captain of the Blues did not take part in this session. But for now, William Servat has been the bearer of reassuring news: “Antoine was slightly ill yesterday, we made a gradual recovery. We preferred to be cautious. Tomorrow he will train completely normally. »
The little relief upon reading the diagnosis will not exempt the Blues from a good dose of adaptation. Several changes are expected. As a result of Penaud's withdrawal, Gabin Villière, who has not started a match for the French XV since the World Cup, should be relaunched on the right wing. A real choice on the other hand, Gaël Fickou should start alongside Yoram Moefana in the center at the expense of Émilien Gailleton. Surprising? Not really coming from a coach, Fabien Galthié, who praised his experience last week.
Buros, finally?
The real surprise – the authentic one – is the very probable tenure of Romain Buros. While his comings and goings had until then mainly served him to collect miles on his Air France card, the UBB rear should finally have his chance in the blue jersey in place of Léo Barré.
If there is a “surprise”, it is not due to the level of performance of the Aturin. Excellent since the start of the season, Romain Buros has been one of the very best players in the position for several seasons now. But while he has already done two tours without ever being capped (Australia 2021 and Japan 2022), in addition to his trips to Marcoussis, his time seemed like it would never come. It could finally ring with the terrible prospect of a very first international cap against the All Blacks. “He is someone who will manage to rise with the event,” assures William Servat. “I have great confidence in him. »
It is therefore in this configuration that the Blues are heading towards their big meeting. Hoping that the “air parade” which polluted the skies over Marcoussis at the start of the week has finally come to an end…
The likely team: Buros – Villière, Fickou, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Dupont – Roumat, Alldritt, Boudehent – Meafou, Flament – Tatafu, Mauvaka, Gros.
