The XV of France, in the running to achieve the Grand Slam, will be able to count on its co-best try scorer of the Tournament (with Gabin Villière, three tries each). Deprived of the shock against Wales because positive for Covid-19, last Friday alongside Romain Taofifenua, Damian Penaud will return to the group which will face England on Saturday March 19 (to follow live on france.tv and france2). The return of the winger, who took on a whole new dimension within the group during this competition – decisive in attack as in defense – is excellent news for the Blues of Fabien Galthié.
Thursday March 17, the coach accompanied by his general manager, Raphaël Ibanez, unveiled the group who will try to seek the title in the Six Nations Tournament and this potential Grand Slam after which the Blues have been chasing since 2010. The victorious group against the Welsh was, as expected, largely renewed.
Ready for the tournament with our supporters!
See you Saturday ! #FRAANG #XVdeFrance #Don’tDoXV pic.twitter.com/UnaWB2vcvy
– France Rugby (@FranceRugby) March 17, 2022
Among the rare changes therefore, the exit of Yoram Moefana’s group. The chief firefighter since the start of the competition is forfeited. And the return of the other covid player, second row Romain Taofifenua, who will take his place among the finishers. After having privileged, contrary to their habit, a formula of five substitute fronts and three rears against the XV of Leek, the bosses of the Blues returned to a more classic arrangement of 6-2. “The 5-3 had been decided because of special circumstances due to the Covid. From the moment all our players are on their feet in the logic of this entity at 23, this is the choice we made. Is it obvious? I don’t know”added the coach.
Still, until now, such an arrangement has brought as much freshness as power to the Blues around the 50th minute by bringing in a pack of almost brand new forwards. A crucial element for the final win. A necessarily valuable reinforcement to respond to the physical density of English people who would take great pleasure in breaking the tricolor dreams.
The XV of France against England: Jaminet – Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Villière – (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap) – Alldritt, Cros, Jelonch- Willemse, Woki – Atonio, Marchand, Baille. Finishers: Mauvaka, Gros, Haouas, Taofifenua, Flament, Cretin, Lucu, Ramos.