a “virus” is circulating in Marcoussis

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The week was not easy to manage for Fabien Galthié. The coach of the French XV notably had to deal with injuries, leading to withdrawals for the shock of the autumn tour against the All Blacks. But Galthié also admitted thata “virus” was circulating in Marcoussis currently, and that several players had been impacted.

XV of France: a virus in Marcoussis

“I wonder when you are coach of the XV of France if you have peaceful weeks. I don’t think so…” said Fabien Galthié, as a preamble to his account of the last complicated days experienced before the match against New Zealand at the Stade de France.

The coach revealed that several French players had been impacted by the illness. “There is a virus circulating in Marcoussis. Damian Penaud left, but also Sébastien Taofifienua. We are wary of this sneaky virus that bothers us.”

Captain Antoine Dupont was spared during Tuesday's training, “being unwell” as an internal FFR source indicated.

“A worrying week”

Added to this virus are injuries and concussion protocols. Hit in the head against Japan and released at the break, on 3^e line of Toulouse, François Cros, was forced to withdraw.

Pau winger Théo Attissogbe, lined up at the last minute against the Brave Blossoms, was injured in a knee ligament and also had to withdraw. Present in Marcoussis but still in difficulty with a calf, the pillar Uini Atonio had to abdicate again, as trainer William Servat revealed on Tuesday.

Fortunately, Thibaud Flament, victim of a blow to the iliac crest and uncertain weather, was deemed fit and participated normally in high-intensity training on Wednesday.

“Indeed, it has not been a peaceful week. We can even say that it was worrying,” said Galthié. Not ideal before facing the All Blacks, who have two notable victories in England (22-24). and in Ireland (13-23).

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