Victim of a broken wrist on February 2 at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament with the French XV (against Ireland), the international pillar makes his return this Saturday after three and a half months of absence. Reda Wardi takes his place on the bench for the reception, crucial in the race for the Top 6, of the Paloise Section this Saturday.
“He is very motivated, everyone is very happy to see him again in training, where the intensity increases thanks to him because he is a very special, aggressive player,” underlined Donnacha Ryan, one of the coaches of the maritime fronts, in the South-West columns. I don’t know if it’s possible, but it’s much more solid (laughs). Reda has worked a lot, he is very explosive. And he is mentally fresh and fit. He showed that he really wanted to play. »
Antoine Hastoy, not comfortable in number 10 in recent weeks, is moved to the back, with IhaiaWest starting in number 10, to form the hinge with Berjon. Note that Levani Botia and Jonathan Danty, injured, are replaced by young players, Oscar Jegou (20 years old) and Simeli Daunivucu (19 years old).
The starting XV of Stade Rochelais: 15. Hastoy – 14. Nowell, 13. Favre, 12. Daunivucu, 11. Leyds – 10. West, 9. Berjon – 8. Alldritt (cap.), 7. Jegou, 6. Cancoriet – 5. Skelton, 4. Lavault – 3. Atonio 2. Lespiaucq-Brettes, 1. Penverne.
Substitutes: 16. Latu, 17. Wardi, 18. Picquette, 19. Haddad-Victor, 20. Tanga-Mangene, 21. Brunet, 22. Reus, 23. Colombe Reazel.