Here we are. It is Friday evening, at 9:15 p.m., in mondovision that the XV of France will launch “its” World Cup (September 8-October 28) against the All Blacks, at the Stade de France. For this four-star poster, Fabien Galthié will not be able to count on Jonathan Danty, affected in the hamstrings and long uncertain. To replace the Rochelais, it is Yoram Moefana, versatile three-quarter and usual substitute, who will start Friday evening in the center of the tricolor attack.
After the injury package of Paul Willemse (Montpellier), there were questions about the composition of the second line. And it is Thibaud Flament (Toulouse) who will be aligned to the right of the cage, with Cameron Woki (Racing 92) at his side. Another notable absentee: the left pillar Cyril Baille (Toulouse), injured in the calf, he is replaced by Reda Wardi (La Rochelle).
For the rest, no surprises. All the executives will be present against the All Blacks. Matthieu Jalibert (UBB) will start at the opening, after the withdrawal of Romain Ntamack, associated with captain Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) at the hinge. A classic three-quarter line with Damian Penaud (UBB) and Gabien Villière (Toulon) on the wings, and Thomas Ramos (Toulouse) at the back. Heavy on the third line, with Charles Ollivon (Toulon), François Cros (Toulouse) and Grégory Alldritt (La Rochelle).
The XV of France remains on a success against the New Zealanders (40-25), in November 2021, at the Stade de France. With this victory, Fabien Galthié’s players had ended a series of 14 defeats in a row since 2009.
The composition of the XV of France against the All Blacks
Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villière – (o) Jalibert, (m) Dupont – Ollivon, Alldritt, Cros – Flament, Woki – Atonio, Marchand, Wardi
Substitutes: Mauvaka, Gros, Aldegheri, R. Taofifenua, Boudehent, Lucu, Vincent, Jaminet