They are called the "galactics".
They have already shone a lot around the planet and find themselves in a three-quarter line of Racing 92, envied by almost all the teams in the world.
The Australian Kurtley Beale, the internationals Tricolores, Teddy Thomas, Gaël Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa, joined by the young prodigy Donovan Taofifenua who replaces the Argentinian Juan Imhoff, injured, are preparing to turn heads at the Stade Français, during the play-off access to the semi-finals this Friday (8:45 p.m.) at Paris La Défense Arena.
Especially since this formidable cavalry will be launched by the Scottish opener Finn Russell, also capable of surprising feats.
Decryption with specialists Cédric Heymans, consultant of Canal + and Denis Charvet, consultant of RMC.
Rear: Kurtley Beale
Star rookie of the Top 14 this summer, the Australian with 92 caps for the Wallabies had a troubled start, with a red card in the Top 14 which deprived him of the quarter and semi-final of the European Cup in September 2020 Since then, Kurtley Beale has caught up and been appreciated for his versatility, he who is also able to play center and wing.
Against Stade Français, the man who has played the last three World Cups with his selection will play in the position for which he was recruited: at the back.
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“Whether he is there or elsewhere, this boy must be on the ground, judge Cédric Heymans, ex-winger or rear of the Blues and Toulouse Stadium.
He makes very few mistakes and often plays fair.
He is not a classic rear end who is going to launch into races from a distance by gaining a lot of speed, but his experience allows him to restart well.
The adaptation was a bit difficult, but he is coming back well and must weigh in these kinds of games.
"
Wingers: Teddy Thomas and Donovan Taofifenua
He has attracted the good graces of Fabien Galthié, who has often bet on him since his arrival at the head of the XV of France.
But which Teddy Thomas will we see in the derby on Friday?
The lively and sharp one, whose thrust ridicules the one who has the misfortune of getting in his way, or the borrowed player who escapes defensively?
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“We always expect a lot from him.
Suddenly he is in the hard, suddenly he reconfirms.
Suddenly he has to leave, then Racing extends him, lists Cédric Heymans.
The contribution of Gaël Fickou, his friend, to the center should help him stabilize.
Because his strength is when he decided to do Teddy Thomas: speed, and ease in one-on-one.
"
On the opposite wing, Donovan Taofifenua approaches the Blues.
Author of ten attempts in the Top 14 this season, the 21-year-old was summoned during the autumn tour and the last Six Nations Tournament, without ever wearing the tricolor jersey.
“It won't be long, that's for sure,” says Heymans.
I'm excited, he's a real test hunter.
He has an opportunity, he puts it on, as Vincent Clerc was able.
"
The centers: Gaël Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa
They will get to know each other by heart, if they haven't already.
Gaël Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa, partners in the XV of France by Fabien Galthié, have found themselves side by side with the Ciel et Blanc since the express transfer of the first to Racing from the Stade Français in mid-April.
"They are similar in some ways," said Denis Charvet, former three-quarter center of Stade Toulouse, Racing and the France team.
They are very strong physically (
Editor's note: 1.90 m and 100 kg for Fickou; 1.86 m and 100 kg for Vakatawa
), fast and endowed with a remarkable technique.
They know how to do everything.
"
Read alsoTop 14: Physically perked up, can Stade Français withstand the shock against Racing?
The commonalities end there. “You can't compare them,” adds Charvet. Their culture is not the same. Gaël broke very early at 18 (
Editor's note: he is 27
), he is one of the wonders of this sport. He is a complete player, who has built his road very intelligently. He exudes an impressive mental strength. That's why I think the fact of facing players, who were his partners a few weeks ago, will not disturb him. It will be good, very good even. He never doubts. "
Virimi Vakatawa, he had more complicated beginnings. “He started on the wing, he could not find his place in Racing, he went to Rugby VII and finally, he blossomed in the center, probably because he is less isolated, underlines Charvet. He has that magic of island players. He does things that Europeans cannot do. He is a genius of this sport. He sees situations before others, he is explosive and he does the right thing. He is not old (
note: 29 years
), he will perform feats that we have never seen. "