XV of France – Romain Buros and Paul Boudehent starting, Matthieu Jalibert out of the group: Fabien Galthié deciphers his choices to face New Zealand

Buros at the back rather than Barré

“He is a player who came to Australia with us in 2021. He also came to Japan. He is there regularly with us. He has been performing with his club for four years and in training with us. He has a lot of confidence, certainties in his game, which he demonstrated in training. He put himself in a position to come and get the jersey. Léo (Barré) played very good matches with us but he left a little room for emulation. It was judged that It was the right time to give Romain a place. We try to be as fair as possible. If you look closely at past matches, there are always adjustments. There is not a player in France who does not want to play this match. It's the dream. Romain gives us a lot of certainty. He has also evolved in his physical and rugby potential. 'air. There will be around thirty games on foot. for around twenty direct duels to be played in the air Today, there is no more escort, which leaves room for man-to-man duels. This new rule enlarges the playing space which was very frontal. These duels in the air cause free balloons to cause chaos. Win or lose, you must be able to exploit the ball defensively or offensively. Often there are trials after these aerial balls, directly or indirectly. These are balls that give a lot of freedom.”

The return of Gaël Fickou

“Gaël rightly said it: there is no gift selection. He has always earned the possibility of either being a starter or on the scoresheet like last weekend. He is with Nolann Le Garrec a of the players who perform the most in Racing. I regret a little that he played so much, eight Top 14 matches. Since then, in three weeks, he has regenerated after three weeks of specific preparation. What it demonstrates in training allows us to imagine a very balanced pair of centers (with Yoram Moefana), knowing that Emilien Gailleton had a very good match. He is also among the finishers.

Boudehent to replace Cros, package

“He is a player who discovered the international level gradually. An intelligent player with very great potential. He took the steps quietly with La Rochelle, then with us. In the off-season, the digestion of the World Cup and of the last Tournament allowed him to take a step forward in his understanding of the international level. He really showed it in training. François Cros's withdrawal allows him to start this match against New Zealand.

Jalibert? He will continue in the French team… If he wishes

Return to a 6/2 bench

“It's a very strategic choice. We have prepared a bench of 6 forwards and two three-quarters. We will need maximum activity and collective strength to hold the exchange with the Blacks. Last weekend, it was 45 minutes of “ball in play” for 240 tackles Saturday, there will be alternation between play in front of the defense and play up high, a lot of running and replacement without the ball. This bench will have to be strong collectively. , I hopefully, will allow us to go the distance, knowing that the last 20 minutes, perhaps even the last three or four, have until then allowed the Blacks to win decisive penalties against England or Ireland Often. , they won the collective meetings in the last moments.”

Jalibert outside the group

“We spoke with Matthieu as we take the time to discuss with all our players. There are only fifteen places on the pitch, twenty-three on the match sheet. We work with a group of 42, some leave, others stay to be additional players. Others are also ready to join the group. Emulation in this team is very important. And what is very important is determination. individual strength. It is a very choice. important These four weeks of work are important. They allow us to bring on board all the players who are able to go the distance, to develop physically with skills around mental strength, strength of character. you have to have to play in the French team. To get through the happy times, but also the difficult times. This is a bit of the message that we share with all the players. Everyone is free to choose. live your emotions, share them. We need strong, determined players in the France team. Until now, even if his journey has not been linear with the French team, he has always brought his talent to the table. He always tried to give the best of himself. He will continue in the French team… If he wishes.”