Ntwo days separate the Blues from their entry into the Six Nations Tournament, Friday January 31 in Paris, against the Welsh. However, the high-intensity session carried out this Wednesday morning has already made it possible to lift the veil on a good part of Fabien Galthié's intentions. And this even if two potential starters did not take part: winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who only arrived at the beginning of the evening at the Blues residence, and second row Emmanuel Meafou who is content with running exercises after suffering a shoulder contusion last weekend. But both are applying for the Wales reception.
1 Flament forfeited, Jegou and Auradou in the 23?
This is the bad news of the day: injured in the calf in training, Toulouse second row Thibaud Flament is out of action for Wales. And probably for England. This is a real blow for the Blues. But alternatives exist.
This defection caused Joshua Brennan to remain in the 23. But it is also towards Hugo Auradou that all eyes are turned. Like Mickaël Guillard, the Palois has often rotated with the likely starters. These three men were kept this weekend in Marcoussis, they could compete for a place in the starting XV against the Welsh.
The return of the second row of the Section would be an event, a few weeks after the dismissal of the case which was pronounced by the Argentine courts following the accusations of rape to which he was the subject during the July tour in Argentina. It would be all the more so since Oscar Jegou, also involved in this affair, is also very well placed to join the 23.
On Tuesday, Fabien Galthié declared that he “fully” accepted the call-up of the two players among the 42. He could go even further.
XV of France: the challenges of the return of Auradou and Jegou in selection
The third row of Stade Rochelais Oscar Jegou and the second row of Section Paloise Hugo Auradou are in the list of 42 players selected to prepare for the Six-Nations. A decision which comes almost six months after the Mendoza affair, for which they benefited from a dismissal of the case
2 Barassi rather than Depoortere in the center
This option was emerging, it is now asserting itself. With Yoram Moefana, certain starter in the center of the attack, it is the Toulouse Pierre-Louis Barassi who should be associated. “He is taking his place, he is in good shape,” explained Laurent Sempéré. Victim of this choice, Nicolas Depoortere should not be able to console himself with a place on the substitutes' bench. She should return to Palois Emilien Gailleton.
-3 Big rather than Baille as left pillar?
The left pillar position was one of the big questions. The fault is the meager playing time displayed by Cyril Baille and Jean-Baptiste Gros, two players who only recently returned to competition. A panorama which raised concerns, recognized Laurent Sempéré, co-coach of the French forwards.
“That's why we have four left pillars in the list (with Dany Priso and Giorgi Beria in addition): we needed to see the state of form of each one. […] It's very reassuring. They manage to cope with the workload. »
Taulier in the position since 2020, Cyril Baille has more minutes in his legs. Author of a very convincing November tour, Jean-Baptiste Gros could however retain number 1. In any case, he put on a likely starting shirt this Wednesday.
4 Alldritt, Ntamack… The captains are there
Relegated out of the group during the last test of the November tour, against Argentina, Grégory Alldritt gave “see you at the Tournament” when he was questioned about this bad patch. The No. 8 from La Rochelle is punctual. In the absence of Alexandre Roumat, who should join the group within a few days, he should regain his starting place.
Almost 18 months after his last appearance in Blue, in a preparation match for the 2023 World Cup, Romain Ntamack should wear number 10. A choice which will lead to the repositioning of Thomas Ramos in 15. This was expected despite the denials of Laurent Sempéré: “Nothing is decided in advance. » Not everyone will believe it…
The likely team: Ramos – Penaud, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont – Boudehent, Alldritt, Cros – Meafou, Auradou ou Brennan – Atonio, Mauvaka, Gros (ou Baille).
