Business resumes for the XV of France. Almost four months after the summer tour in Japan, Fabien Galthié unveiled, Thursday, November 3, the composition of the Blues to face Australia, Saturday, November 5, at 9 p.m. at the Stade de France.
For this first match of the autumn tour before South Africa and Japan, on November 12 and 20, the French coach retained a good part of the backbone of the team that won the last Six Nations Tournament.
It happens at @StadeFrance and we can’t wait to see you again!
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– France Rugby (@FranceRugby) November 3, 2022
Back from injury after an operation on the left adductor in August, Cyril Baille will be a regular left pillar, alongside Julien Marchand and Uini Atonio. “Rugby is a sport of combat, contact and endurance. In this confrontation you can get hurt”, conceded Galthié, questioned about Baille’s little playing time. “He resumed competition with Toulouse last week. He validated everything we needed to know to establish him. In agreement with him and all the staff, we are ready to take up the challenge”.
On the other hand, no Paul Willemse in the second row, who “will keep away from the grounds for a fortnight”, according to general manager Raphaël Ibanez, present alongside his coach at a press conference. To replace the Montpellier, the Toulousain Thibaud Flament was preferred to the Lyonnais Romain Taofifenua, and will be associated with Cameron Woki. For the third row, former captain Charles Ollivon finds his place with Grégory Alldritt and Anthony Jelonch.
For the back lines, Fabien Galthié obviously renewed the hinge Antoine Dupont-Romain Ntamack, as well as Jonathan Danty and Gaël Fickou in three quarter center, and Damian Penaud on the wing. On the other hand, Yoram Moefana will take the left wing in replacement of Gabin Villière, injured, while Thomas Ramos has been confirmed at the back, following the withdrawal of Melvyn Jaminet. “The goal will be held by Thomas Ramos. For dismissals, they will share them with Romain Ntamack”, said Fabien Galthié about the kicking game against Australia.
The XV of France against Australia: Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Moefana – (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap) – Alldritt, Ollivon, Jelonch – Flament, Woki – Atonio, Marchand, Baille. Finishers: Mauvaka, Priso, Falatea, Taofifenua, Geraci, Macalou, Lucu, Jalibert.