In Marcoussis
Fabien Galthié had announced continuity in his first post-World Cup team composition.
The various training sessions over the past week have confirmed this desire with a very first French XV to face Ireland at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament, Friday evening in Marseille.
Thus 20 of the 23 Blues included on the match sheet participated in the World Cup.
In the starting XV, the main changes concern the second line.
Thibaud Flament forfeits, it is the returning Paul Gabrillagues who will start alongside Peul Willemse.
The Parisian had not been seen in blue since the quarter-final of the 2019 World Cup.
Le Garrec only player with zero selection
With Antoine Dupont favoring 7 and Romain Ntamack recovering, it is logically the hinge of the UBB – Lucu and Jalibert – who will start.
Small surprise on the wing where Bordelais Yoram Moefana, who most often plays in the center, will wear number 11 to the detriment of his UBB teammate Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Priority given to his qualities as a defender and fighter.
The World Cup revelation will take his place on the bench, made up of six forwards and two backs, with Racing 92 scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec (the only uncapped player of the 23) accompanying him.
The team composition will be officially announced by Fabien Galthié this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
The starting XV:
15. Ramos – 14. Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11. Moefana – 10. Jalibert, 9 Lucu – 8. Alldritt (cap), 7. Ollivon, 6. Cros – 5. Willemse , 4. Gabrillagues – 3. Atonio, 2. Mauvaka, 1. Baille.
Substitutes
: 16. Marchand, 17. Wardi, 18. Aldegheri, 19. R. Taofifenua, 20. Woki, 21. Pa. Boudehent, 22. Le Garrec, 23. Bielle-Biarrey.