After the significant success face aux All BlacksFabien Galthié revealed this Wednesday the composition of the French XV to face Argentina. Right pillar Uini Atonio, who was withdrawn from the first two test matches, is back, the same goes for third row Charles Ollivon and François Cros. On the other hand, Grégory Alldritt was not selected to face the Pumas on Friday (9:10 p.m.) at the Stade de France.
Grégory Alldritt is paying the price for the emulation advocated by the coach of the XV of France, as before him Ollivon found himself off the list during the victory against Japan (52-12). François Cros, back after a concussion, is essential due to his enormous activity in all sectors of the game, while Ollivon reminded us against the Blacks that he had to be counted on. Besides Cros and Ollivon, another notable return is that of La Rochelle pillar Uini Atonio. Hit in a calf, the experienced right-hander (34 years old, 62 caps) was too tight to apply against the Blacks, but starts in place of Tevita Tatafu, injured in a knee.
The only change in the back lines is the return of Léo Barré, due to the late withdrawal of Romain Buros, who “has not fully recovered from a thigh crutch“, said Galthié. “He was very honest with us, he said he wasn’t sure he was 100%“. “We play six days after (facing) the Blacks, it’s not a gift“, explained the coach of the Blues. “That’s why there are rotations, a group that moves a little but needs consistency“.
On the bench, Galthié will be able to rely on the versatility of Mickaël Guillard and Alexandre Roumat, both capable of playing in the second line, and in number 8 for the second. The young U20 world champion Marko Gazzotti could also experience his first cap.
Morocco
