XV of France: towards a tenure of Taofifenua and a return of Atonio against the Welsh

In Marcoussis

Mathematically, the XV of France can still win the Six Nations Tournament.

We should first count on an (improbable) victory for England, which has just been humiliated by the Blues at Twickhenham (10-53), against Ireland in Dublin.

But there are a few scenarios where this is possible for the Blues.

Antoine Dupont's troupe will, in any case, play the blow thoroughly, this Saturday (3:45 p.m.) at the Stade de France, against Wales, in full doubt.

For this, Fabien Galthié should make some small adjustments compared to the team that triumphed in England.

First of all, there was the injury of the second row Paul Willemse (hamstring), which returned to Montpellier.

According to the game of the chasubles observed this Wednesday during the high intensity training, it is Romain Taofifenua, usual substitute, who should inherit a starting place.

The option of bringing Charles Ollivon, the usual flanker, into the cage should not be used from the outset against the Leek XV, perhaps during the match.

Last week, Fabien Galthié raised this possibility at a pre-match press conference.

"Tao" should be associated with Thibaud Flament, impressive since the start of the Tournament.

Read alsoSix nations: in the event of Ireland's defeat, the XV of France will win the Tournament if…

The other change concerns Uini Atonio.

The right pillar of La Rochelle has indeed served his three-week suspension after a dangerous tackle against Ireland on the second day.

He logically finds his place as holder, he who is essential to the right of the blue fray.

On the bench of substitutes, it is Sipili Falatea (UBB) who could keep his role of “finisher”.

Dorian Aldegheri (Toulouse), yet holder against the XV of the Rose and author of a good match, could leave the group.

Mohamed Haouas, who returned to the France team during this edition, is still suspended after the red card he received against Scotland.

Read alsoRugby: Stade Toulousain invited to the Capitol … and Ugo Mola turns into a conductor (video)

Sekou Macalou, who offers the eyes of the staff to be a versatile flanker-winger, should keep his place on the bench of substitutes.

Moreover, no other changes to be expected in the starting XV.

The three-quarter line, particularly brilliant during the demonstration at Twickenham, should be renewed in its entirety, with the hinge Antoine Dupont-Romain Ntamack in charge.

On the bench of substitutes, concerning the forwards, a place is to be filled for three players: it concerns the second lines Thomas Lavault (substitute against Italy), Baptiste Chalureau (used in November), even the third line Yoan Tanga, who was not called up during the Tournament.

Fabien Galthié will reveal his team composition on Thursday at noon.

The probable composition of the XV of France:

Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Dumortier – (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont – Ollivon, Alldritt, Cros – Taofifenua, Flament – ​​Atonio, Marchand, Baille.

Replacements: Mauvaka, Wardi, Falatea, Lavault (or Chalureau), Macalou, Moefana, Jaminet, Lucu.