against Argentina, one last tango to stop pitching

One last one for the road. One year after the fiasco of “its” World Cup, the XV of France has the opportunity to end the year on a good note. The prestigious success (30-29) snatched against the All Blacks had barely been digested, we had to re-mobilize to give one last push. This Friday (9:10 p.m., TF1), the Blues cross paths with the Argentinians again, whom they faced this summer – results: a success everywhere – during a tour of sinister memory which strongly tarnished the image of French Rugby , with the Jaminet cases first, then Jegou-Auradou afterwards.

Now on to the field. To put an end to dark thoughts and complete a 2024 financial year that got off to a bad start with a masterful slap against Ireland during the Six Nations Tournament. Problem: while the season has only just begun on this side of the globe, some internationals already seem to be in bad shape. In the name of the fit man policy, the statutes of « premium players » were shattered. First there was Gaël Fickou, placed on the substitutes' bench against Japan, then Charles Ollivon, who lost his essential status (absent against the Japanese and on the bench against New Zealand) and, for this third autumn match, it is the turn of Grégory Alldritt – visibly worn out – to be demoted, a first since November 2021. He is replaced as number 8 by… Charles Ollivon, who returns to favor.

“A very, very difficult team to play against”

« We need to regenerate but we knew that before, recognizes Fabien Galthié. That's why there are rotations, a group that moves a little but needs consistency. » Other changes: beam Uini Atonio makes his return to the right of the scrum, flanker François Cros, recovered from his concussion against Japan, returns to the starting XV, and Romain Buros (victim of a crutch) gives way to the back to Léo Barré, already seen against Japan. A game of musical chairs that lasted all fall.

Opposite, arrive some Argentinian Pumas who have gained strength throughout the season. Under the leadership of their new coach, Felipe Contepomi (well known in France for having worn the colors of Toulon and Stade Français), Argentina has just achieved the best Rugby Championship in its history, beating its three opponents for the first time southerners. And she has just come close to an exploit in Ireland (22-19). Everlasting squeaked.

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« The key will be the fight, warns Juan Fernandez Lobbe, another former member of the Top 14 who is now assistant coach of the Argentines. Rugby is a contact sport, so when you win the fight, nine times out of ten you win the match. » Fabien Galthié, who was a consultant for… Argentina between 2008 and 2010, knows our Latin cousins ​​by heart: « This is a team that is not afraid with great players who travel well. They are very intelligent rugby and a very, very difficult team to play against. One of the best in the world. »

Eyes fixed on the 2025 Tournament

As in 2021 and 2022, France has the opportunity to finish its November tour undefeated. A first step towards the Six Nations Tournament, a crucial step towards the 2027 World Cup. This is why certain executives were saved. « There is a vision which is the Tournament in 2025, with a trip to Ireland and another to England. There is also a vision for 2025 and then 2027 », confirmed the French coach, who was keen to point out that the« ecosystem » French rugby is not necessarily conducive to the French XV. « If you look at the rosters of teams that are world champions, they have around fifty to sixty average selections. It was a path that we had undertaken, but perhaps with the ecosystem in which we live, it is not possible… » An admission of weakness? The next World Cup is three years away. So close, so far.