Their last tenure with the XV of France dates back to the annoying quarterfinal of the lost World Cup (20-19) against Wales in October. Damian Penaud and Jefferson Poirot should start the fourth meeting of the Blues in the Six Nations Tournament Sunday in Scotland (4 p.m.). The Clermont winger and the Bordeaux-Bègles pillar participated in the session on Wednesday, the last high intensity of the week before leaving for Edinburgh among the starters.
For Penaud, it was predictable. The 23-year-old is seen by staff as an important player on the French team. Announced as the titular player for the first match against the English in early February, the winger was betrayed by his left calf, depriving him of receiving Italy and moving to Cardiff ten days ago when his return was however expected.
Spared Willemse, Uncertain cat
Jefferson Poirot's place in the starting XV seemed less obvious. At 27, the one who applied for the captain's armband after the retirement of Guilhem Guirado, is certainly one of the most experienced players in the group but the blues coach Fabien Galthié had placed him on the bench against England and the 'Italy, preferring the Toulousain Cyril Baille. Against the Welsh, the pillar had even been left at the disposal of his Girondin club and it was Toulonnais Jean-Baptiste Gros who was the lining to the left of the fray.
But since then, Baille has withdrawn for the rest of the Tournament, victim of a dislocation of the right shoulder. The staff therefore chose to establish an experienced player.
Left to rest because of a painful ankle, Paul Willemse should still be a regular Sunday. This is less true for Camille Chat who did not participate, either, due to discomfort with the adductors. It is uncertain for the trip to Scotland, and a decision will be made this weekend.
The probable XV of departure in Scotland
Bouthier - Penaud, Vakatawa, Vincent, Fickou - Dupont (m), Ntamack (o) - Cros, Alldritt, Ollivon (cap.) - Le Roux, Willemse - Haouas, Marchand, Poirot.