XV of France – The cards redistributed, including aces and kings

Whatever Fabien Galthié may say, attached to the continuity of his arrow of time, this tour will have marked a notable evolution in his group management. The examples are too numerous to be just coincidences: with the withdrawal of Matthieu Jalibert then Grégory Alldritt and the temporary passages on the bench of Gaël Fickou and Charles Ollivon, his choices were more marked, more striking than ever. Between the policy of fit men – a very relative consideration – and concern for energy management – ​​both an ideal pretext and an unavoidable problem for French rugby, the cards have been partly redistributed. And the codes have changed, both in substance and form. By asserting that “Leo (Barré) left a little room in his performances” and that he had “need determination, strong players”, When discussing the Jalibert case, the boss of the Blues clearly strengthened his speech. Places have become more expensive, statuses less obvious: “It’s also great to have different profiles and people in each position: it allows everyone to surpass themselves, to not feel accomplished or safe”validates Gabin Villière.

A framework, all the same

Emulation was reinforced on the tour: “The more there are, the better for the French team”the coach welcomed Friday evening. At the left pillar position where Jean-Baptiste Gros and Reda Wardi took turns successfully while awaiting a possible return of Cyril Baille, on the right where Tevita Tatafu and Georges-Henri Colombe have generally proven that they will have to be reckoned with, in third line with the rise in power of Alexandre Roumat and the powerful Paul Boudehent or even in the center where the contenders jostle, “Galette” is faced with an embarrassment of choice. He obviously perceives this abundance of goods as the basis of a “healthy” competition to even pull everyone up. In this regard, the performance of Charles Ollivon against Argentina proves him right, while waiting to see what effect the non-selection against the Pumas will have on Grégory Alldritt, passed – momentarily, let us be clear – from captain to reservist in the within ten months. Absent in November, Romain Ntamack will also have to work hard to find his number 10, worn so brilliantly by Thomas Ramos.

If he “There is never comfort for anyone”the fact remains that a framework is taking shape in view of the Tournament: with Peato Mauvaka at the heels; the complementary Flament-Meafou hitch in the cage; the essential Dupont – even though he has experienced waste – and Ramos – whatever the number as long as it is on the sheet – as custodians of the game; and the Penaud-Bielle-Biarrey arrows – the main individual satisfaction of the tour – on the wings. Barring a problem, everyone will undoubtedly be on the pitch when the Tournament kicks off. Knowing full well that Marchand, Guillard, Barré and other Villières will push hard behind. And that Fabien Galthié will keep an eye on things.