The XV of France will go on tour this summer in Australia.
But due to the health context, the staff of the Blues must face major constraints: the entire tricolor group will have to observe a fortnight in isolation when arriving on the island-continent and the three test matches will be condensed in 10 days (July 7, 13 and 17).
In an interview with
Sud Ouest
, Fabien Galthié explained that he would like to be able to bring two teams on tour to be able to deal with this unprecedented schedule.
That is to say 46 players instead of the 35 provided for by the agreement between the Federation and the League.
Discussions are reportedly underway between the two bodies on this issue.
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"With three tests to play in ten days, we must ensure that we have a sufficient number in these specific positions because if we have injuries, we will not be able to call on players who will be in France, given the constraints sanitary facilities, he explains.
We will need to have two full teams.
One who plays the first test-match, another the second.
A third which would be the first reinforced by those who will have a limited playing time during the second. "
Probably without the Top 14 finalists
The coach of the Blues advance that he and his staff are currently following between 90 and 100 players for this tour, a "pre-selection expanded to 6 players per position, and 9 for very specific positions such as the first line or the hinge". Fabien Galthié adds that he will surely have to compose without the internationals who will play the Top 14 final on June 25. “It is almost impossible to leave with players after the date of the semi-finals (June 18-19). Do we make a first contingent that leaves after the semi-finals, reinforced by a group that leaves after the final? The second contingent will not be able to train with the first and will not come out of quarantine until two days before the third test, ”he explains. Quite a puzzle. The XV of France has not won in Australia since ... 1990!
XV de France - "The team was even stronger than last year", judge Fabien Galthié in an interview with "Sud Ouest" https://t.co/oFCe7DH6oOpic.twitter.com/BUP1DTUtNl
- SudOuest Sport (@SudOuest_Sport) May 24, 2021
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