6 Nations Tournament – The probable list of 42 players: Uini Atonio, Reda Wardi… Fear on the first line

It was with a lot of uncertainty that Fabien Galthié and his deputies concluded their training last week, which allowed them to refine their new version of training with the RCT hopefuls. In particular, obviously, due to the injuries which affected their players, starting with the third row Charles Ollivon, who will not return – at best – under the banner of the XV of France before the autumn 2025 tour. However , more than the third line (read on pages 2-3), it is obviously the construction of the pillars which mobilized the energies. Because if the return of Baille proved convincing in the position of left pillar (starter at La Rochelle then in the rhythm against the Sharks) and should allow him to rejoin the group, there were many questions this Sunday concerning the state of the knee of Uini Atonio (described in great suffering by Ronan O’Gara) and his counterpart Reda Wardi (ratings). Enough to push the alert rating to the highest level, since Toulon pillar Jean-Baptiste Gros has still not played again since his tear against Argentina, a sine qua non condition for being summoned. However, in the event of a (probable) return to the Toulouse match sheet next week, Gros will indeed be in the 42, while in the event of a withdrawal, Wardi could make way for Beria. Finally, on the other side of the fray, the story concerning Bayonnais Tevita Tatafu is approximately the same as for Gros. Injured since the match against the Blacks on November 16, Tatafu has been out of action with his club ever since. His selection will depend on a possible return next week. Otherwise, you’ll have to rack your brains, or pray that Atonio’s injury isn’t too serious…

Jalibert probably back, not Serin

For the rest? There should be no major upheaval ahead, the good performance of Romain Taofifenua on Friday in Glasgow having removed certain doubts linked to his start to the season. Excellent with Montpellier, Yacouba Camara could also make his comeback, especially if Roumat’s withdrawal (calf muscle injury) is confirmed. This could also benefit Cameron Woki, in the name of his knowledge of the touch. Of course, finally note the probable big returns in the group of 42 of Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, who can be selected again.

As for the back lines? Here again, few upheavals are to be expected… Excellent with Toulon, Baptiste Serin should nevertheless not be recalled, the hierarchy at the position being established, with Le Garrec and Lucu to assist Dupont. On the other hand, at the position of opener, Romain Ntamack and especially Matthieu Jalibert should sign their return, the misunderstanding linked to the departure of the latter’s group in November seeming to have dissipated. In the center, Fickou’s injury (thumb operation) should delight Depoortere who will sign his return alongside Moefana, Gailleton and the in-form Barassi, the last place in the balance being able to be played between Frisch and Darricarrère (s (he comes back in time from his torn hamstring). Finally, on the rear triangle, no notable change to expect. With the return of Penaud, the hierarchy on the wings is clear, Gaël Dréan’s good start to the season not being enough for the moment to shake it up. The main uncertainty concerns UBB fullback Romain Buros, injured in a knee on Saturday. His package could make a winger like Lebel or Atissogbe happy, knowing that Thomas Ramos should return to his favorite position, assisted by Léo Barré.