For this last weekend of Top 14 before joining Marcoussis, 36 Blues were on the field for this eighth day. If some internationals arrived in Marcoussis in great shape, for others, the November adventure is already compromised because of injuries.
The Top 14 regulars were able to enjoy the French stars of our championship one last time before meeting them again with the rooster jersey on November 9, during the match against Japan. Last week, Fabien Galthié revealed his group which will prepare Marcoussis for the three matches which await the Blues at the Stade de France. His flock will challenge Japan (09/11), New Zealand (16/11) and Argentina (22/11). Of the 42 players selected, 36 were on deck. Charles Ollivon, George-Henri Colombe, Tevita Tatafu, Antoine Frisch and Matthis Lebel were exempt from this eighth day, as was Yoram Moefana, suspended.
Toulouse residents can leave with peace of mind
As usual, the Haut-Garonne club is the main supplier of players for the XV of France. This Sunday, during the overwhelming victory of Toulouse 57 to 5 against Toulon, ten of the eleven players called up were present on the match sheet, only winger Matthis Lebel was missing. And some showed themselves to their advantage before the gathering. This is the case for Anthony Jelonch, author of a double and who seemed in good shape during his return to schoolhe who returned from the Crusaders a few weeks ago. But also for Joshua Brennan, the Franco-Irishman will experience his first preparation camp and scored a try.
For the Toulonnais present on the pitch, the evening at the Toulouse Stadium must have been long, even if Jean-Baptiste Gros put the Stade pack in difficulty in a closed scrum. The Var pillar should compete for the starting place on the left with Reda Wardi. Even if the Rochelais seemed in difficulty during the defeat of his team in Montpellier, in Dantean conditions which nevertheless favored the game before.
The battle of the 10 is on
This is the question that will occupy the minds of the followers of the XV of France. Who will occupy the position of fly-half during these November tests? According to the first reports, Fabien Galthié would consider reappoint Thomas Ramos to this position, he who had finished the last tournament with the ten on his back. This Sunday, against Toulon, the Mazamétain was established in his usual full-back position and played zero minutes at the opening during the meeting. At the same time, Matthieu Jalibert once again showed himself to his advantage this Saturday, against Pau. The Bordeaux player unblocked numerous situations to allow his team to win with the bonus against the Béarnais. A battle in which Léo Berdeu will not participate. The Lyonnais emerged injured from Lou's defeat against Bayonne. He is replaced in the group by Antoine Hastoy, who, like his team, took on water in Montpellier. But a surprise could come into play in this struggle. According to some reports, Antoine Dupont could have a few minutes as flyhalf during the match against Japan. The Toulouse player also played around twenty minutes in this position this Sunday, always with the same ease as when he is placed in nine.
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The decision of the Blues staff will also have an influence on who will occupy the full-back position. If Ramos moves to ten, the French coaches' preference would be for Léo Barré, capped during the last tournament. The Parisian knows a complicated start to the season like the Stade Français. But on Saturday evening, the capital's number 15 reassured himself by scoring a try. He will compete for the place with Romain Buros, who was convincing during Bordeaux's success. Also note the tenure of Théo Atissogbé in the back of the field. The Palois showed great dispositions in this position with good kicking and good recovery.
Three packages before the gathering
It's the fear of all coaches before the international windows: injuries. The weekend was calm on this point for the France team, only three players will not report to Marcoussis for this first week of preparation. As mentioned, Léo Berdeu was replaced by Antoine Hastoy. In front of Uini Atonio is replaced by Regis Montagne. Initially, Sipili Falatea was planned, but the Bordeaux player himself was withdrawn. Pierre Bochaton will not immediately experience the French team's training center. The former Burgiena has a sore back and will be replaced by Cameron Woki, who was on the bench during Racing 92's 30-23 victory over USAP.
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