There should not be many changes in the RC Vannes line-up for the reception of Lyon, during the third day of Top 14, Saturday (4:30 p.m.).
With Gwenaël Duplenne out, suffering from a concussion against Stade Français, Paul Surano will start at the back, as confirmed by Jean-Noël Spitzer this Wednesday at a press conference. Last season, the winger started six times with the number 15 in Pro D2.
The Breton manager also announced the starting positions of Cyril Blanchard and Karl Chateau. The latter should replace the bereaved Sione Kalamafoni in the third-row centre position.
Substitutes last Saturday, Santiago Medrano and Joe Edwards should return to the XV in place of Paga Tafili and Léon Boulier, who would sit on the bench.
Number 13, the only uncertainty
The only uncertainty concerns the second center position. Théo Costossèque, who had a good match against Stade Français, is in the lead. But will the player who has often been troubled by injuries be able to continue? “That’s the question,” Spitzer adds. “Everything will depend on this afternoon’s training (Wednesday) with him.”
Francis Saili, who was out last Saturday after suffering a concussion against Toulouse, “could be an option,” added the Vannes technician. “He is at the end of his protocol. So he is definitely fit for Thursday.”
In the absence of these two players, Robin Taccola, Tani Vili or Iñaki Ayarza would apply to wear the number 13.
The probable composition
Surano – Rayasi, Costossèque (or Saili), Arrate, Nakosi – Lafage (o), Ruru (m) – Gorrissen (cap), Chateau, Edwards – Metz, Bresler – Medrano, Blanchard, Vunipola.
Replacements: Moukoro, Leafa, Van der Merwe, Boulier, Kamikamica, Le Bail, Debaës, Tafili.
