Thirty-year-olds Danty, Ollivon and Fickou called into question? The response from the staff of the XV of France

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Are Fabien Galthié and the staff of the XV of France reviewing their plans? We are far from a revolution but, in addition to a style of play which should evolve, we observe a sort of downgrading among certain executives that we thought were indestructible.

Danty, Ollivon and Fickou in decline

Present in the first list of 42 to prepare for the 3 matches against Japan (November 9), the All Blacks (November 16) and Argentina (November 22), the center Jonathan Dantywith a unique profile in France, was made available to La Rochelle to participate in the 9^e day of Top 14. He was not recalled following, the new list of 42 being even revealed before La Rochelle-Stade Français, and therefore Danty did not play. Should we see a decline in the hierarchy of centers for Jonathan Danty? There is only one step.

Charles Ollivonindisputable holder for 5 years under the mandate of Fabien Galthié, seems to have seen Alexandre Roumat, but also Pierre Boudehent, pass him in front. The Toulonnais, judged less efficient with his club, should not even be present on the France-Japan match sheet, and could have very limited time during this autumn tour. Unthinkable just a few weeks ago.

Finally, Gaël Fickou90 selections, the faithful “captain of the Blues defense”, no longer seems to be unanimous. Indeed, a time planned as a starter for the first test against Japan, it finally seems that the Racingman joins the bench, to the detriment of Yoram Moefana, who benefited from a one-week suspension after having successfully passed the Head Contact Process he requested. The Moefana-Gailleton duo should be lined up from the start for the first test against Japan at the Stade de France.

Sempéré: “We are looking at the shape of the moment”

Asked about the current situation concerning these somewhat ostracized thirty-year-olds, Laurent Sempéré, coach of the sidelines and specific tasks of the XV of France, does not believe “that a page is turning”. “There are 42 players present, some who have already increased their back and forth. We want to bring together as many successful players as possible, and to continue to move forward with this group.”

The technician added, facing the press: “What is important is the entire group with which we work. We see the match against Japan, the one against the All Blacks, then Argentina and after the following 6 Nations Tournament. Everyone will have their role and will be important in this construction. We work with 60 players upstream in order to have a group concerned by what happens.”

Yet 2 “Premium”

A time being an insurance, “Premium” player status (there are currently 20) no longer seems to be present. Witness with Charles Ollivon and Gaël Fickou, present in the list of elements considered protected, and who might not play the leading roles during this fall tour.

On this subject of “Premium” status, Laurent Sempéré kicked in. “We don’t necessarily take status into account. We look at the form at the moment, what is best for the team. This is what predominates within the staff.” He also mentioned that there should be some changes for the matches against the All Blacks and Argentina.

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