The first training with chasubles, this Tuesday in Capbreton, set the tone. The defeated Murrayfield lost a lot. In credit. And their place. Only the young third-row of Stade Rochelais, Paul Boudehent, saved his head. The European champion has, it is true, been convincing. And, in the absence of François Cros (injury package) and Anthony Jelonch (in accelerated recovery), it was necessary to complete the third line alongside Grégory Alldritt and Charles Ollivon.
Two executives back as in all positions. Or almost. Only Uini Atonio should be missing, the Rochelais pillar being preserved and replaced by the Toulousain Dorain Aldegheri. Who had delivered a big performance last March during the demonstration of the XV of France at Twickenham against England.
For the rest, it’s the Premium team, to use the terminology of the tricolor staff, from hooker Julien Marchand to rear Thomas Ramos, via the hinge Dupont-Ntamack or the pair of centers Fickou-Danty. With some indications on the pace of this typical team.
In second line Cameron Woki is the other survivor of the defeat of Edinburgh. To form a light weight beam with Thibaud Flament, who had revealed himself in his absence during the last Six Nations Tournament. An association that seems to take over from the heavier, with Paul Willemse. The staff also indicates their great confidence in Gabin Villière. Frame for the Grand Slam in 2022, injuries then kept him away from the field and from the XV of France. Recovered, he becomes titular again, during the inevitable Damian Penaud.
Expected confirmation of this team composition, Thursday noon, when Fabien Galthié will reveal it. 48 hours before facing these Scots again in Saint-Étienne for the second of four preparation matches leading the Blues to the World Cup (September 8 to October 28).
