After a sluggish victory (29-20) against Argentina at the opening of their autumn tour, the Blues return to Georgia on Sunday (2 p.m.). A match on which the bosses of the XV of France could have jumped to launch or relaunch players. Fabien Galthié and his staff ultimately chose to prioritize continuity. The duo Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack notably won a second chance, after the announcement of the composition of the France team, Friday 12 November.
Mathieu Jalibert will form the hinge with Antoine Dupont, while Romain Ntamack is associated with the center with Gaël Fickou. In total, five changes are made in front, against only one at the rear. As expected, there is movement in a pack that had been lacking in power. Grégory Alldritt notably leaves the bench to be established in eight, while Uini Atonio will start on the front row alongside Julien Marchand and Cyril Baille.
The second line is revisited with Cameron Woki, moved from the 3rd line, and associated with Romain Taofifenua. A repositioning that Fabien Galthié explains as follows: “There are always risks and dangers when you enter this type of confrontation, but you have to take risks, go to the end of your intuitions. Woki is a touch captain already, he has a hybrid profile that can allow him Due to his physical density, to play in 4. He has been very successful in his repositioning against Argentina. We also count on the contribution of Thibaud Flament, who is one of the finishers, in this position. “
The Toulousain, Matthis Lebel (22), great companion of Romain Ntamack, will honor his first selection on the wing. Gabin Villière holder against Argentina is left to rest. Fabien Galthié nevertheless insisted that it was not a default choice: “Gabin was the author of a high quality performance against Argentina, but he had to stop during Tuesday’s session to recover. Matthis has been performing very well with Stade Toulouse for several seasons, it is also in our training. He won the right to recover his jersey in the locker room. ”
And here’s to face Georgia!
We will meet you on Sunday at 2 p.m. in Bordeaux and on @ France2tv to support your #XVdeFrance ! #FRAGEO #NotLet’sXVThe latest posts https://t.co/pYs06gSwCO pic.twitter.com/4pYSNmIXiC
– France Rugby (@FranceRugby) November 12, 2021
The XV of France against the Georgians
Jaminet – Penaud, Fickou, Ntamack, Lebel– (o) Jalibert, (m) Dupont – Jelonch, Alldritt, Macalou – Woki, Taofifenua – Atonio, Marchand, Baille.