On the occasion of the first collective training of the week, neither Antoine Dupont, nor Uini Atonio, nor Thibaud Flament, all present on the edge of the Marcoussis field, trained with the France group. On the other hand, Romain Buros wore bib number 15.
The last meeting against Japan (55-12) had done some damage in the French ranks. Thus, the third row François Cros (hit on the head), the second row Thibaud Flament (iliac crest) and the winger Théo Attissogbe (knee sprain) all three were forced to leave the pitch at the Stade de France during the match. Since then, the packages of Cros and Attissogbe have been made official by the FFR.
Concerning Thibaud Flament, optimism remains even if the Toulouse second row was spared during this afternoon's session (Ollivon trained with number 4). Uini Atonio, although still expected to start, did not run on the Marcoussis field of honor either.
Romain Buros with the holder's chasuble
In the three-quarter line, Gaël Fickouafter being pushed to the sidelines last Saturday against Japan, should regain his starting place to the detriment of the young Palois Emilien Gailleton, who played his role well last weekend. Fickou, author of a good start to the season under the colors of Racing 92, should be associated in midfield with Bordelo-Béglais Yoram Moefana, very strong since the restart. In doing so, Fabien Galthié probably believes that he cannot do without the experience of Fickou, the most capped of his men (91 caps), to face the vice-world champions.
From what we saw this afternoon on the Marcoussis field of honor, it is Gabin Villière who will replace Damian Penaud on the right wing, still suffering. As a reminder, the Toulon winger's last start in the national team dates back to last summer, in Uruguay (27-12). At the back of the field, Romain Buros could be preferred to Léo Barré, in slight decline since the start of the season, and thus celebrate his very first selection for the national team during a match against the All Blacks, which is rare enough to be highlighted. As a reminder, Romain Buros had been summoned for the tour to Japan in 2022 without having the possibility of playing a single test match in Asia.
Dupont spared
Finally, the captain of the French selection Antoine Dupont, in shorts and crampons this Tuesday afternoon, did not participate in the day's session in Marcoussis although at present it is possible to find out more on the reason for his exclusion. As a result, it was Nolann Le Garrec, recovered from his slight knee injury, who wore the starting jersey in training. After discussions with the French delegation, however, no concerns remain regarding Dupont, who is suffering, nor even Atonio or Flament: these three players should all participate in Wednesday's training.
The probable composition of the Blues: 15. Buros; 14. Villière13. Fickou, 12. Moefana, 11. Bielle-Biarrey ; 10. Ramos, 9. Dupont (cap.) ; 7. Roumat, 8. Alldritt, 6. Boudehent; 5. New material, 4. Flament ou Ollivon ; 3. Anthony, 2. Mauvaka, 1. Gros
Substitutes : 16. Marchand, 17. Wardi, 18. Tatafu, 19. R. Taofifenua, 20. Guillard, 21. Ollivon you Rocky22. Le Garrec, 23. Crossed out or Jalibert ou Gailleton.
