Between cascading injuries, hoped-for returns and new faces, Fabien Galthié and his staff are preparing to unveil the list of 42 players to prepare for the 2025 6 Nations Tournament. Overview of choices and uncertainties.
A colossal project on the front line
This is unheard of: the Pillars infirmary is full. Uini Atonio (knee) and Reda Wardi (ribs), both injured against Leinster, are doubtful.
On the Toulon side, Jean-Baptiste Gros, still in the recovery phase after his tear against Argentina, remains uncertain. In Bayonne, Tevita Tatafu is in a similar situation. Fortunately, Cyril Baille has made a remarkable comeback, and could be accompanied by Dany Priso.
A decimated third line
On the third row, Charles Ollivon (knee) and Alexandre Roumat (calf) are out, opening the door to significant comebacks. Yacouba Camara, author of an excellent start to the season in Montpellier, and Oscar Jégou, in great shape with La Rochelle, should join the group. Hugo Auradou, another promising prospect, could also make his comeback after his extra-sporting setbacks.
Reinforced hinge, center under construction
If the hinge seems locked with Dupont, Lucu, Ntamack and Jalibert, the center is a real headache. With the absences of Gaël Fickou (thumb fracture) and Jonathan Danty (meniscus), places become available.
Nicolas Depoortère, impressive in the fall, and Pierre-Louis Barassi, in great form with Toulouse, could do well. Yoram Moefana remains essential, while Antoine Frisch and Léon Darricarrère compete for a potential last place.
Behind: a rear triangle to be confirmed
The rear triangle remains stable with Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Gabin Villière and Théo Attissogbe. Gaël Dréan, despite a great start to the season, will still have to wait. On the other hand, the injury to Romain Buros could offer a chance to Matthis Lebel, while Thomas Ramos and Léo Barré hold the line at the back.
The probable list of Midi Olympique
The fronts
- Hookers: Julien Marchand (Toulouse Stadium), Peato Mauvaka (Toulouse Stadium), Maxime Lamothe (UBB).
- Pillars: Cyril Baille (Stade Toulousain), Reda Wardi (Stade Rochelais) or Giorgi Beria (USA Perpignan), Jean-Baptiste Gros (RC Toulon), Uini Atonio (Stade Rochelais) or Tevita Tatafu (Row Bayonnais), Georges-Henri Colombe ( Stade Rochelais), Régis Montagne (ASMClermont).
- Second line : Thibaut Flament (Toulouse Stadium), Hugo Auradou (Pau Section), Emmanuel Meafou (Toulouse Stadium), Yacouba Camara (Montpellier HR), R.Taofifenua (Racing 92).
- Third line: François Cros (Stade toulousain), Oscar Jegou (Stade rochelais), Paul Boudehent (Stade rochelais), Anthony Jelonch (Stade toulousain), Temo Matiu (UBB), Lenni Nouchi (Montpellier), Killian Tixeront (ASM Clermont), Grégory Alldritt (Stade rochelais), Marko Gazzotti (UBB), Alexandre Roumat (Stade toulousain) or Cameron Woki (Racing 92).
Three-quarters
- Scrumhalves: Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulouse), Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92), Maxime Lucu (UBB).
- Flying halves : Léo Berdeu (Lyon OU), Matthieu Jalibert (UBB), Romain Ntamack (Stade Toulouse).
- Centres : Nicolas Depoortere (UBB), Yoram Moefana (UBB), Emilien Gailleton (Section paloise), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Stade toulousain), Antoine Frisch (RC Toulon) or Léon Darricarrère (ASM Clermont).
- Wing-backs: Louis Bielle-Biarrey (UBB), Romain Buros (UBB) or Matthis Lebel (Toulouse), Théo Attissogbe (Section paloise), Gabin Villière (RCToulon), Damian Penaud (UBB), Léo Barré (Stade français), Thomas Ramos ( Stade Toulousain).
