Indisputable holder at the start of Fabien Galthié's mandate, Virimi Vakatawa (29 years old, 30 caps) had given way to Rochelais Jonathan Danty during the autumn matches, the fault of recurring injuries (ribs, knee, etc.) which prevented him from returning to his best level.
In his absence, Danty (29, 13 caps) won a starting spot, after shining against the All Blacks (40-25) in November, to the point of starting last week against Italy (37-10 ).
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Alas, the Rochelais is hit in an ankle.
To replace him, the staff of the Blues therefore hesitates between giving his place to Vakatawa or giving his chance to Moefana.
The Bordeaux-Bègles player (21, 4 caps), who seems to be holding the line, could thus experience his first tenure since that against England, in December 2020, in the final of the short-lived Autumn Cup of nations.
Similar profiles
Both players have similar profiles, fast and dominant in duels, although Vakatawa is more spectacular while Moefana is considered the best passer.
Difficult to do without the experience of Vakatawa, described last year as one of the best centers in the world, even if he has not returned to his best form.
Unless the audacity of Moefana, who entered the game brilliantly against Italy, does not make the difference?
The other question mark concerns the second line, where Cameron Woki (23 years old, 12 caps), usual third line, should be renewed, alongside Paul Willemse (29 years old, 19 caps).
In the third line, Dylan Cretin, not really at ease last week, could give way to the indestructible François Cros (27 years old, 11 caps), established alongside Grégory Alldritt and Anthony Jelonch.
For the rest, the XV of France should offer a familiar face with its 100% Toulouse hinge Antoine Dupont-Romain Ntamack.
The rear triangle will again consist of Melvyn Jaminet at the back, and on the wings of Damian Penaud and Gabin Villière, author of a hat-trick against Italy.
Finally, Uini Atonio seems essential to the position of right pillar, in the company of Toulouse Julien Marchand and Cyril Baille.
In total, nine of the holders in the victory in Dublin (15-13) in February 2021, the first in Ireland for ten years, should start this meeting.
Probable composition of the XV of France:
Jaminet - Penaud, Fickou, Moefana (or Vakatawa), Villière - (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap.) - Cros, Alldritt, Jelonch - Willemse, Woki - Atonio, Marchand, Baille