The return of the executives. In strength. After presenting a strongly reworked and disappointing team against Uruguay last Thursday in Villeneuve-d’Ascq (sluggish 27-12 victory), coach Fabien Galthié should recall his strong men who had dominated the All Blacks on September 8 during the match opening (27-13), to face Namibia this Thursday (9 p.m.) in Marseille. This is all that seems to emerge from the first training session with opposition this Sunday morning at Rueil-Malmaison.
Antoine Dupont, Matthieu Jalibert, Gaël Fickou, Grégory Alldritt and Charles Ollivon had all worn the chasubles of the holders. Four changes should nevertheless be noted compared to the winners of New Zealand. The third wing line Anthony Jelonch, already lined up against Uruguay, should continue to the detriment of François Cros. The Toulouse player, back on the field in Villeneuve d’Ascq after a rupture of the cruciate ligaments in his left knee, will thus be able to find rhythm against the weakest opponent in the group, crushed by the Italians (52-8) then by the All Blacks (71-3) last Friday.
Danty and Baille fit
Jonathan Danty and Cyril Baille, recovered from their injuries during the preparation phase, are now fit and should also be lined up. The three-quarter center from La Rochelle would regain his place left to Yoram Moefana and the Toulouse pillar would push Reda Wardi onto the bench. The only small surprise is that Toulon winger Gabin Villière should leave the group in favor of young Bordeaux player Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
The composition of the team will be revealed this Tuesday (11:30 a.m.) by Fabien Galthié in Aix-en-Provence where the Blues will establish a new base camp until the beginning of October.
The probable French XV against Namibia: Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Jalibert, (m) Dupont – Ollivon, Alldritt, Jelonch – Flament, Woki – Atonio, Mauvaka, Baille or Wardi.
