His name is perhaps not the first that comes to the minds of fans of the XV of France. And for good reason, the Bayonnais only has three small Top 14 matches to his credit. But the flanker was very comfortable at the start of the season, as evidenced by his match in Bordeaux. Solid in touch (7 balls captured) and in defense (2 balls scratched, 17 tackles), he is the big player on the Blues list.
Greeted by his coach Grégory Patat after the meeting: “ He put in a great performance, he was present in the fight, he has speed, he is good in the air… “. There is no doubt that the 21-year-old third row is already on the shelves of Fabien Galthié’s staff.
Pierre Bochaton
Another complete unknown to the battalion, a player who has yet to experience any gathering at Marcoussis. For his fourth season in the Top 14, the versatile 2nd or 3rd line takes off in the Bordeaux pack. He gradually becomes a leader by example.
Solid, rough, difficult in the rucks, Bochaton has many advantages to showcase. Also capable of being aerial and valuable in touch, he represents a serious alternative to Cameron Woki, who seems to have fallen back in the hierarchy. If the competition is tough, he will be able to take advantage of his versatility and the excellent start to the UBB season to find a place in the sun.
Joshua Brennan
Another jewel of Toulouse training. At only 22 years old, Joshua Brennan is gradually settling into the Rouge et Noir behind the ever-presents Flament and Meafou. The absences of Posolo Tuilagi and Paul Willemse could benefit him, even though he is more of a professional 4.
“Josh is coming off a fairly remarkable season last year, particularly with impacts on matches that counted.”, launched Ugo Mola after the match against Castres. After playing in the two finals last year, the 2nd line is ready to compete at the international level.
If his name necessarily means something to you, seeing him in Fabien Galthié’s list would still be a little surprise. Competition for his position is tough, even after Romain Ntamack’s injury. Jalibert and Hastoy hold the rope and Ramos and Barré have interesting versatility. But the Lyon playing master has had a superb start to the season, to the point of being able to tickle his opponents. Alongside Baptiste Couilloud and Semi Radradra, he leads LOU (4th) to the top of the championship.
Nicolas Depoortère’s injury inevitably leaves a void at the center of the Tricolores’ attack. But who will take their chance? Arthur Vincent, Émilien Gailleton or Antoine Frisch? Unless the Paul Costes tornado comes and takes everything away. One thing is certain, the Palois is necessarily in the back of the coach’s mind.
Long-term absence confirmed for Nicolas Depoortere, hard blow for the XV of France and the UBB
