Former French international Thomas Lièvremont (37 caps) looked at the case of the third line of the French XV. For someone who has won the 6 Nations Tournament three times, including two Grand Slams, the obvious is obvious.
Today we have identified a dozen third-line players followed by coach Fabien Galthié. How do you explain that French rugby is full of so much talent in the third row?
Not all of the players mentioned are at the same level today. They have not reached the same maturity either. There is obviously a lot of talent and potential. This is thanks to training in the clubs. A few years ago, this position was a bit of a hybrid. Players were placed there without any real specificity. A bit like the winger position. However, in recent years, this has changed. Players are increasingly specialized in the third line even if the trend leaves a lot of room for versatility between third center line and third wing line. And sometimes even with the second line. It’s all about balance.
But isn’t the current generation richer than in the past?
It’s possible. Above all, for me there is a first category with real athletes and a second with technically and intellectually extraordinary players.
From your point of view, how does Fabien Galthié compose his third line?
Not long ago, Fabien had a well-established team and could make one or two marginal modifications. It was also a blessed time with few injuries. Since the end of the World Cup, there has been a darker period regarding the availability of players and their freshness. We saw him with Grégory Alldritt put out to pasture. Today, Charles Ollivon already killed her. He is therefore obliged to bring in greater competition. And I think it’s a chance for the French team.
What is the ideal third line for you?
I believe that a coach always forms his third line according to his second line team. If you have two tractors like Meafou and Taofifenua, the third line will need to be more aerial, more mobile. If you start the meeting with Flament and Meafou, who should be the starting second line at the start of the Tournament even if little Auradou will surely have his chance During the competition, the third line could be densified due to the presence of Flament, in the second line, who is an excellent jumper. Several questions then arise: should we favor a third line of rupture like Charles Olivon or a third line of combat like François Cros? The question of the presence of a boy like Alexandre Roumat, with the incredible ability to make others play, likely to also have this aerial skill, may arise. Alexandre has an incredible statistic: he has 100% successful passes with an average of 7.3 passes over 80 minutes in the Top 14. This clearly illustrates his ability to make his partners play well. Now he risks missing the start of preparation since he is injured.
Who do you think will be the third line that will start the 6 Nations Tournament against Wales?
It would seem logical, after the autumn tests and on current form, that Grégory Alldritt, François Cros and Paul Boudehent would be associated. This third line is made to start the Tournament. She is balanced and experienced. Afterwards, a surprise cannot be ruled out. There is so much talent. A boy like Temo Matiu is the prototype of the modern rugby player. We should see him very quickly at the highest level. Oscar Jegou, Léo Banos excel with Stade Toulouse, Killian Tixeront who excels in aerial conquest, Alexandre Roumat who can also play in the second line, even if his father won’t like it (laughs). Truly, the French third line has a bright future ahead of it.
Why the choice of this third line?
Paul Boudehent is Mr. Muscle and above all he is very active. If we look at his statistics, we see that in his matches with the France team in 2024, he is at 50% active tackling, that is to say with a return to play in less than two seconds. It’s strong. Especially since he has a 97% tackle success rate. Greg Alldritt is at the same level with 96% success and 47% active tackling. Above all, he averages 16 tackles per match. As for François Cros, he has a 96% success rate and an average of fifteen tackles. And I’m just talking about defense. But these players also have very strong specificities. At the moment T, it is the third line which is essential.
