The recent decision of the staff of the XV of France to put Charles Ollivon back for the fall tour, in favor ofAlexandre Roumatcontinues to generate analysis and debate. As Laurent Sempéré explained to Figarothe staff is now banking on “ form of the moment » to build your team. A strategic repositioning which reveals a desire for renewal within the Blues.
A redesigned hierarchy, priority to immediate form
During the mandate of Fabien Galthié, Charles Ollivon established himself as an essential executive. However, as Sempéré pointed out at Figarothe staff today adopts a more pragmatic approach: “We look at the current form and we don’t necessarily take anything else into account. »
This decision marks a turning point in the management of the team, now focused on recent performances and the adaptability of the players to the demands of the moment. For Ollivon, this approach results in a demotion which redefines his role and questions his place among the incumbents.
Alexandre Roumat: a strategic profile that is part of the evolution of the game
Roumat, who benefits from this reorganization, embodies a technical and aerial profile in line with the new priorities of the XV of France. His ease in touch and his ability to liaise between forwards and three-quarters provide a tactical dimension sought by the staff. This choice demonstrates a desire to align complementary players, capable of responding to varied game plans depending on the opponents.
For Sempéré, the opportunity to exploit an expanded pool of talent is an unprecedented wealth that allows the collective to adapt to current international requirements.
The end of the premium team and the rise of varied profiles
This change also puts an end to the notion of a “premium” team which characterized recent years. In this logic of rotation, each player must justify his place by his current performances, and the established statuses no longer guarantee systematic tenure. Sempéré said this approach includes a group of 42 players, each likely to play an important role throughout the matches.
Thus, this new strategy presents Ollivon with an additional challenge: to prove that he can regain his starting place in a system where immediate form takes precedence over acquired experience.
The French XV in transition, a strategy for the future
With this selection policy, the XV of France is beginning a transition phase by focusing on audacity and adaptation. The repositioning of Ollivon and the rise of Alexandre Roumat illustrate a revision of priorities, oriented towards group dynamics and the state of freshness of the players. As the fall tour begins, these strategic choices lay the foundations for a future where each player will have to constantly assert themselves to guarantee their place.
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the 1993 Brennus and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO