Against the All Blacks, do we take (almost) the same ones and start again?

Guillaume Marion, Media365, published on Monday November 11, 2024 at 4:50 p.m.

After crushing Japan, the French XV will now challenge New Zealand, the big piece of this autumn tour. For this meeting, Fabien Galthié could well play the continuity card.

After devouring Japan as a starter last Saturday (52-12), the XV of France is preparing to challenge one of the best teams in the world, namely New Zealandon November 16 at the Stade de France (at 9:10 p.m.). If the duel against the Brave Blossoms caused a bit of damage, notably the Pau winger Théo Attissogbe, who is already out for the 2nd meeting of this autumn tour, the rest of the Blues should be able to be present on the match sheet. Starting with Damian Penaud, absent at the last minute against Eddie Jones' team, who should be back on foot for the occasion. Apart from this, the Toulouse hinge composed of Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos seems well on the way to being renewed. It remains to be seen whether Gaël Fickou could start in place of Yoram Moefana or Emilien Gailleton.

Atonio back against the All Blacks?

As for the front eight, that's where there seems to be the most uncertainty. Exited prematurely against Japan, Thibaud Flament (pelvis) and François Cros (head) should be able to hold their place but we will have to wait a little longer to be 100% sure. According to information from L'Equipe, the two Toulouse players should apply to face the All Blacks. Therefore, it is on the front line that the biggest questions remain. Absent last Saturday, Uini Atonio could this time be fit for this 2nd match after having a calf problem. The return of the right pillar from La Rochelle could push Tevita Tatafu to the bench or should at least send Georges-Henri Colombe to the stands. The first training sessions of the week should allow us to see things more clearly.

The possible starting XV against New Zealand:

Barré – Penaud, Gailleton (ou Fickou), Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey – Ramos, Dupont (cap) – Roumat, Alldritt, Cros – Meafou, Flament – Tatafu (ou Atonio), Mauvaka, Gros