After a very successful fall tour for the France team, it's time to take stock. The victories against Japan, Argentina, but especially the All Blacks, gave us confidence in this French team, capable of beating anyone. If some players went to “get the jersey”, other executives were a little shaken by this tour. Assessment of these players who will have to do better in view of the Six Nations Tournament.
Since the 2022-2023 season, he is no longer the same player. The championship-World Cup sequence took a lot of toll on him physically and he has difficulty regaining his full physical impact. Despite its two-month break following the World Cup, the Maritime no longer makes as much difference as before on the field.
Courageous and rough in confrontation zones, he remains an excellent player, valuable in defense. But competition is tough in the French team, especially in the third row. It was therefore only half a surprise to see her sit in the stands for the last match against the Pumas. Ollivon, Cros and Boudehent formed a very complementary 3rd line that day, which perhaps caught the eye of the staff.
''He could kill a guy with his bare hands'': Paul Boudehent, the mover the French XV needed
If Alldritt will always have his place in Blue, he will have to raise his sights in the Top 14 to arrive in great shape for the Six Nations Tournament. Without it, he could see his status demoted.
He only had 30 minutes against Japan to express himself, then disappeared from the radar. Expected to start the opener position in the absence of Romain Ntamack, he was ultimately demoted to 4th option in this position behind Ramos and Dupont, preferring to return to the club to regenerate.
XV of France. ''A divorce between Jalibert and Galthié'', has the Bordeaux player lost the confidence of the coach?
So what must the Girondin do to regain his place? Not much, he's already in the form of his life since the start of the season and that doesn't seem to be enough in the eyes of the staff. The opener must be patient, his time will come.
Remember, a year ago, Julien Marchand started the World Cup against the All Blacks as a potential starter. After 11 minutes, his World Cup was over and Peato Mauvaka took over perfectly. Subsequently, he started the Six Nations Tournament on the bench before returning to the starting XV against England and Wales.
XV of France. One player, two positions: Mauvaka, this asset that changes everything for the Blues
Yes, but now, Mauvaka, Marchand's eternal replacement, is taking on another dimension. Capable of lasting 80 minutes in an international match, performing well at the heel, in the 3rd line and on the wing, he is the versatile player dreamed of by all staff. The Toulouse man was able to make himself indispensable and at the same time relegate Marchand to the Blues bench.
