Three-quarter center Yoram Moefana, who returned to Marcoussis at the start of the week, trained with a starting shirt on Tuesday in training with opposition and could relegate the experienced Gaël Fickou to the bench for the match against Japan on Saturday .
Fickou, a first on the bench under Galthié
The Union Bordeaux Bègles player took part in training as number 12, associated with Palois Emilien Gailleton (21 years old, 3 caps), who was already among the probable starters last week.
Moefana, 24 years old and 28 caps, was still doubtful for the match against Japan last week due to an upcoming suspension for a dangerous tackle.
Initially suspended for three weeks, he was finally requalified for the first autumn test of the French XV after a one-week reduction in his sanction, thanks to his participation in the Head Contact Process, a technical tackling system put in place by World Rugby.
“He is a player who has good speed, who is capable of playing. He does not bring us only his power »greeted forwards coach Laurent Sempéré at a press conference about the explosive Bordeaux center.
The Moefana-Gailleton association in the center could relegate Gaël Fickou (30 years old, 90 caps) to the bench, a first since the start of the Galthié era. The Racing 92 center has not been a substitute for the Blues since the 2019 Six Nations Tournament and a home defeat against Wales (24-19), when Jacques Brunel was coach.
Like last week, the Toulouse all-rounder Thomas Ramos trained at the opening, associated with his club teammate Antoine Dupont.
Recalled to the list of 42 after the withdrawal of Clermontois Régis Montagne, the right pillar from La Rochelle Uini Atonio did not take part in the training with opposition of the day. The young pillar of Bayonne Tevita Tatafu (22 years old) could therefore honor his first cape.
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Fabien Galthié will announce his team composition on Thursday to face Japan on Saturday, for the first autumn test match before playing against New Zealand then Argentina.
