Nine changes to the fifteen starting positions… This is one of the consequences of a Six Nations Tournament that has already failed for the Blues after three days (defeat against Ireland 17-38, narrow victory 16-20 in Scotland and draw 13-13 against Italy). To face Wales this Sunday (4 p.m.) in Cardiff, Fabien Galthié, the coach of the French XV, has significantly reshuffled his team compared to the poor draw conceded against Italy (13-13) two weeks ago in Villeneuve-d’Ascq (North).
The suspension of center Jonathan Danty (4 weeks for his expulsion following a high tackle) and the injury of fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, absent for the rest of the competition, led to a remodeling of the three-quarter line. Fullback Thomas Ramos will therefore slip at the opening and give way to the young n°15 from Stade Français Léo Barré (21 years old) who will make his first selection as a starter. Like Bordeaux-Bègles center Nicolas Depoortère, also 21 years old, who will form the center of the attack with Gaël Fickou.
The other modifications result from missteps and disappointments. Racing scrum half Nolann Le Garrec (21 years old, 3 caps) starts in place of Bordeaux’s Maxime Lucu. Among the forwards, the colossus of Stade Toulouse Emmanuel Meafou (25 years old), naturalized French last November but injured in a knee before the Tournament, will win his first cap and will form the second line with Thibaud Flament (26 years old, 24 caps), also back from injury.
Racingman Cameron Woki and Perpignan Posolo Tuilagi were sent back to their clubs. Another change, hooker Julien Marchand will start the match, pushing his Stade Toulouse teammate Peato Mauvaka to the bench. He had not started with the Blues since the opening match of the World Cup on September 8 against New Zealand (27-13).
Finally, third row and captain Grégory Alldritt, injured in the leg against Scotland (20-16), and winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, victim of a stiff neck before Italy, logically regain their starting place.
The composition of the French XV against Wales: Barré – Penaud, Fickou, Depoortère, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Le Garrec – Ollivon, Alldritt (cap.), Cros – Meafou, Flament – Atonio , Merchant, Yawn. Substitutes: Mauvaka, S. Taofifenua, Colombe, R. Taofifenua, Roumat, Boudehent, Lucu, Moefana.
