Whether he calls it “duty to remember” or “collective experience”, Fabien Galthié does not deviate from his guiding principle.
There is no question of firing an executive at the first squeak.
So, despite two unconvincing outings, the coach brought the vast majority of the Murrayfield winners back to face Italy this Sunday (4 p.m.) in Lille.
To discover
Ranking Tournament 6 of Nations
Calendar and results 6 Nations
Changes ?
There are two in the starting XV.
One forced, one by choice.
Captain Grégory Alldritt is out - he is nursing a deep wound in his thigh - it is Paul Boudehent who starts.
On the wing of the third line, the usual custodian of No. 6, François Cros, being shifted to its center, with number 8. “No worries,” swears the Toulouse resident.
This happens to me in clubs, even if I'm less used to it than in 6 actually.
But it’s a position that I like…”
International debut for Toulonnais Esteban Abadie
Posolo Tuilagi's tenure in the second line owes nothing to an absence.
The staff decided to launch their young colossus from the kick-off after two notable entries against Ireland and Scotland.
A choice which means that Parisian Paul Gabrillagues, who started in these two matches, was... out of the match sheet.
Not even a folding seat to console him, it's Romain Taofifenua, back after getting rid of an infected wound in his leg, who (re)takes his place on the bench.
Also readA dad and five uncles rugby players, 149 kg on the scale, “truck”… Posolo Tuilagi, the phenomenon of the XV of France
It is among the finishers that we find the third and final change made by Galthié and his deputies.
Paul Boudehent promoted to holder, it is the Toulonnais Esteban Abadie who is offered the opportunity to honor his first selection at 26 years old.
A deserved reward for the third row, a revelation at the start of the season in the Top 14 - he who joined the RCT last summer after several seasons at CA Brive.
The starting XV against Italy
: 15. Ramos – 14. Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11 Bielle-Biarrey – 10. Jalibert, 9. Lucu – 8. Cros, 7. Ollivon (cap), 6. Pa. Boudehent – 5. Tuilagi, 4. Woki – 3. Atonio, 2. Mauvaka, 1. Baille.
Substitutes
: 16. Marchand, 17. S. Taofifenua, 18. Aldegheri, 19. R. Taofifenua, 20. Roumat, 21. Abadie, 22. Le Garrec, 23. Moefana.