For once, the 6 Nations will begin not in February but in January in 2025. In just over a month, the XV of France will welcome Wales to the Stade de France. Fabien Galthié’s men are indeed expected in Saint-Denis on Friday January 31.
Between an ever more competitive Top 14, and a Champions Cup which started at a very strong pace, the Blues haven’t really had time to rest. Like Thomas Ramos who already has more than 1000 minutes of playing time in all competitions.
Thomas Ramos, Cros and the others: The essentials of Galthié in 2024
The Stade Toulousain full-back took part in 13 matches, all as a starter, for an average of 78 minutes on the field. He was logically put to rest by Ugo Mola against Lyon this week. And could be missing for the Paris reception this Sunday.
On the other hand, he is one of the players, like Antoine Dupont, who are automatically on the match sheet of the XV of France even before Fabien Galthié and his deputies debated about a composition.
And for good reason, with 640 minutes in the blue jersey, he was the player most used by the French coach in 2024. He is the only one to have exceeded the 600 minutes mark. Behind him, we find not another player from Stade Toulousain, but a Racingman.
Although criticized, Gaël Fickou still has the confidence of Galthié. Who did not hesitate to leave him on the meadow for 577 minutes. Then, we only find players with less than 500 minutes. And this, even if François Cros is close to it (493).
Bielle-Biarrey well on its way to settling in with the XV of France
Of the 8 most active players with the French XV in 2024, we finally find three from Toulouse, hooker Peato Mauvaka having accumulated 401 minutes on the field. But only one Rochelais, Grégory Alldritt (407), a Parisian (Barré, 424 minutes) and a single Toulonnais in the person of Charles Ollivon (436).
Image credit: Six Nations – FR
There is no doubt that this Top would have been different if Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack had participated in the 6 Nations Tournament. And we don’t forget the people of Bordeaux either. They should be there when it comes time to take stock at this time of year in 2025.
For now, only Louis Bielle-Biarrey does honor to the colors of the UBB with 487 minutes played with the XV of France. As a reminder, Damian Penaud, ill, missed all three November tour matches. Without that, he would probably have been just tied with Ramos.
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