The change is now.
After a failed start to the Six Nations Tournament, Fabien Galthié should, as expected, profoundly renew the French XV for the next match, Sunday (4 p.m.) against Wales in Cardiff.
This Wednesday in Marcoussis, in front of an audience of guests with many children from rugby schools in the region, the Blues trained with a team composition that was upset compared to the one that drew against Italy ( 13-13), February 25 in Lille.
Because of injuries and suspensions, but not only that.
In the team of probable starters, with the blue bibs, Thomas Ramos wore number 10, in the absence of Matthieu Jalibert, injured.
The Toulouse player leaves his usual full-back position to Parisian Léo Barré, 21, who should celebrate his first selection as a starter in Cardiff.
Just like the second line of Australian origin, Emmanuel Meafou, who wore number 5. And the young three-quarter Bordeaux center Nicolas Depoortère, 21, who had number 12 alongside the irremovable Gaël Fickou.
Le Garrec starting at the scrum, Barré at the back, Depoortère in the center and Meafou in the second line: the changes are confirmed for Galles-France, according to today's training in Marcoussis @FranceRugby pic.twitter.com/HfMb24YbMK
— jgbontinck (@JGBONTINCK) March 6, 2024
Three rookies to start, and a promoted replacement: Nolann Le Garrec, the Racing scrum-half, who entered the game during the first 3 matches in place of Maxime Lucu, should start for his 4th selection.
8 changes in total compared to Italy
Other changes: the returns to the starting XV of winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, withdrawn due to a stiff neck in Lille, of Thibaud Flament in the second row, absent due to injury since the start of the Tournament and of course captain Grégory Alldritt.
Hooker Julien Marchand should find his place in the starting XV to the detriment of his Toulouse teammate Peato Mauvaka.
In total, there are therefore 8 probable changes in the starting XV compared to the Lille match.
An upheaval never seen in the Six Nations Tournament since the debut of Fabien Galthié as coach in 2020.
The probable composition of the XV of France against Wales
Barré – Penaud, Fickou, Depoortère, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Le Garrec – Ollivon, Alldritt (cap.), Cros – Meafou, Woki – Atonio, Marchand, Baille.