Jostled by the Argentines, the Blues pass a new test of strength against the Georgians before challenging the All Blacks.
In terms of ruggedness, the XV of France is served this fall with a small sequence Argentina-Georgia. From combat, from tough to evil players and more from combat. A week after its sluggish but victorious exit against the Pumas (29-20), the Blues will be entitled, this Sunday (2 p.m.) in Bordeaux, to another big standoff against the Georgians. Players that we know well in the French championship (14 of the 23 lined up!), But that the national team has only met once in its history, during the 2007 World Cup for a large 64-7 success in Marseille. In other words, an eternity. Few references to chew against a formation 12th in the world ranking, which flies over the Six Nations B Tournament against the minor European nations (8 coronations in the last 10 editions).
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The Blues, to meet them every weekend on the lawns of the Top 14, nevertheless know what awaits them against the players of the Caucasus. “They are very solid and cheerful players. They like chocolate very much“, Namely the fight, image winger Gabin Villière, finally spared this weekend. Same fear on the side of Cameron Woki, usual flanker who will be tenured in the second row: “It is an adversary, a nation to be respected. They will put a lot of intensity because it is a very important game for them.»
For Fabien Galthié’s troop, this second fall lifting is also essential. History of fixing the problems which appeared last week. In particular a lack of aggressiveness in front and a rather sterile game behind. At the heart of the debate, the association of Matthieu Jalbibert at the opening and Romain Ntamack in the center, disappointing against Argentina, will be returned to Matmut Atlantique. Exciting on paper, the duo had left “a slightly bitter taste”, admitted Laurent Labit, in charge of the tricolor attack. And Fabien Galthié to insist: “There are areas for improvement. Romain knows he needs to improve. In his game, in his communication with Matthew.»
There is no evidence, but decisions that are made, intuitions, risks. There are feelings and then an organization to build
Fabien Galthie
In addition, the battle of the ground game will once again be decisive. We always come back to it. For this, the staff has densified its pack with the tenure of Uini Atonio, Romain Taofifenua and Grégory Alldritt. The big question comes from the repositioning of Cameron Woki in the cage. Not too light, the UBB player with his 1.96 m and 109 kg? “There are always risks, dangers, recognizes Fabien Galthié. When you enter the international level, anything is possible. The best scenario, like the worst …»
At mid-term, the staff of the Blues innovates again for this November tour. Try to add strings to his bow. The Jalibert-Ntamack doublet, Woki in the second line after having tested Flament, Atonio’s surprise return to the front line, Lebel launched on Sunday at the international level … When they took office, Galthié and his deputies had long relied on a group of managers, with the desire to give them experience, even if that did not prevent them from trying a few blows (Haouas, Bouthier, Villière, Jaminet…) This summer, in Australia, the tests were constrained and forced. It had worked quite well, reviving the competition. In winter time, innovations are still legion.
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«There is no evidence, but decisions that are made, intuitions, risks. There are feelings and then an organization to build“, Is justified Fabien Galthié who does not hide:”We are there to take the risks and the decisions we make.Georgia is the least relieved opponent of this tour. Before crossing the road of the terrible All Blacks, whom the French have not faced since 2018 and a series largely lost in New Zealand. “It’s in the back of your mind, but we know that we have a good stage before», Concedes Gabin Villière. A mid-mountain stage before a last non-category pass.
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