Three test matches to further progress, to confirm the fine performance of the last Six Nations Tournament which ended with France's first Grand Slam since 2010. On the menu for the Blues this fall: Australia at the Stade de France ( November 5), then the South African world champions in Marseille (November 12) and finally a reunion with Japan, where the Tricolores had signed two successes last summer.
For this crucial meeting against nations of the southern hemisphere with a view to the 2023 World Cup, Fabien Galthié and his staff will unveil on Monday, or at the latest on Tuesday, a group of 42 days.
Overview of the forces involved.
Grand Slam essentials
Logically, the tricolor staff will rely on the members of its “standard team”, namely the “Chlemards” of the last Six Nations Tournament.
With in particular the essential
Antoine Dupont
(Toulouse) who, according to information from
L'Équipe
, should keep the captain's armband of the Blues which he had at the start of the year when
Charles Ollivon
(Toulon) was absent due to injury.
At the turning point, Dupont could be associated with his club partner,
Romain Ntamack
, who suffered a shin injury in mid-September but has just returned to competition.
After a complicated start to the season,
Matthieu Jalibert
(UBB) has recovered and should logically hold its place.
From there to dislodge Ntamack?
The third opener for the Blues should be
Louis Carbonel
(Montpellier), in sight at the start of the exercise, since
Antoine Hastoy
(La Rochelle) was injured.
Another key player of the XV of France,
Grégory Alldritt
(La Rochelle) will be present, with
Anthony Jelonch
and Charles Ollivon at his side.
The pair of centers should, logically, again be made up of
Jonathan Danty
(La Rochelle) and
Gaël Fickou
(Racing 92).
Author of a good start to the season,
Damian Penaud
(Clermont) will hold his place on the wing.
In the second line,
Cameron Woki
(Racing 92), in difficulty in his new club, should once again be associated with
Paul Willemse
(Montpellier).
In the tailgating,
Julien Marchand
(Toulouse), one of the team's executives, will also be present for the three tests.
Autumn tour: Hooper returns to Australia squad, Skelton and Foley called up
The brand absentees
Fabien Galthié will nevertheless have to deal with several absences among his executive players.
It starts with
Cyril Baille
(Toulouse), essential to the post of left pillar but who was affected in the adductors and had to have surgery.
His club teammate
François Cros
(Toulouse) is also on the flank, he was hit in the knee while also being forced to pass on billiards.
Read alsoWorld Cup 2023: no selection has chosen Marcoussis as a base camp
Behind, several players will also be missing.
Winger
Gabin Villière
(Toulon), who had established himself as an indisputable starter, suffered an ankle injury.
And after a first operation, he also had to undergo a second one recently.
Another player appreciated by the staff, the three-quarter center (or winger)
Arthur Vincent
also had to forfeit.
Back in June after nine months of absence, the French champion relapsed in September.
He is going to have surgery on his left knee and is not sure if he will play again this season.
The last tile concerns
Melvyn Jaminet
(Toulouse), who injured his ankle this Saturday against Brive.
Upon receiving a candle, he felt his ankle “crack”
.
He is expected to be out for six weeks.
The possible returns
Because of this carnage which strikes the French internationals, the staff will be forced to recall certain players.
Top scorer in the Top 14 (5 tries) and particularly sharp,
Alivereti Raka
(Clermont), should make his return in blue, he who had not been called up since the final of the short-lived Autumn Nations Cup lost against the England (22-19 AD).
According to information from
La Montagne
, his return would be recorded.
On the other hand, his teammate, the third-line
Arthur Iturria
(Clermont), should not be.
After being highlighted last summer in Japan, the third-line
Yoan Tanga
(La Rochelle) could again have his chance.
While his name was circulating to come to Marcoussis, the young and talented scrum half
Nolann Le Garrec
(Racing 92) will still have to wait to make his international debut.
Against LOU, he was hit in the lateral ligament of the knee.
Recently, Fabien Galthié confided that he and his staff are closely following Stade Toulousain winger or center,
Dimitri Delibes
.
First elements of response very soon.