Faithful to “emulation” advocated this fall, the coach of the XV of France made two strong choices to face New Zealand on Saturday, by offering his first cape to Romain Buros at the back, and by removing the opener Matthieu Jalibert from the group.
As against Japan, the versatile Thomas Ramos was preferred at the opening, associated with Antoine Dupont at the hinge. The UBB opening half, holder during the 2023 World Cup, is not present on the match sheet.
Buros, called up several times but never capped, will make his first selection against the formidable All Blacks, and takes the place of Léo Barré who had occupied the No.15 against Japan. “Léo left a little room in his performances for emulation”Galthié justified himself Thursday at a press conference.
“(Buros) is a player who came to Australia in 2021, to Japan in 2022, who has come regularly with us and who for four years now has been performing with his club and in training with us. He arrives with a lot of confidence and certainty in his game” explained Galthié.
“It’s the dream (to play against the Blacks). There is not a player in France today who does not want to play this match.” added Galthié, noting the quality of the UBB player’s aerial game.
Scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec and center three-quarter Emilien Gailleton are the only two back row players on the bench, alongside six forwards to meet the physical challenge offered by the All Blacks.
“The last 20 minutes allowed the All Blacks to recover decisive penalties against England and Ireland, particularly around the scrum”noted Galthié.
This 6-2 bench relegates Jalibert out of the group against New Zealand. A new disappointment for the Bordeaux fly-half (26 years old, 34 caps), who was injured in the spring after a complicated start to the Tournament, but returned to form with his club this season.
Scrum half Baptiste Serin (left) and fly half Matthieu Jalibert face each other during Blues training in Marcoussis near Paris on November 6, 2024 in France / Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP/Archives
“The project is collective”
“We need determination, strong players. He has always tried to give the best of himself, and he will continue, if he wishes.”commented Galthié about the management of the Jalibert case, in what could sound like a warning.
“We take the time to discuss with all the players (…) Emulation in this team is important, the project is collective”he warned.
Ramos, who does not hide his preference for the full-back position, but had finished the Tournament as a fly-half, will experience one of the biggest challenges of his career in this position.
Late in the match, Dupont will cover the opening if Ramos were to come out or slide to the back, with the choice of the bench limiting the options at the back.
“It’s true that it’s very rarely ten”recognized center Gaël Fickou on Wednesday, who comes off the bench that he found against Japan for the first time since 2019, associated with Yoram Moefana. “Afterwards he is a very good defender, he has an excellent kicking game. It’s complete, I’m not worried about that”.
The other changes from the team that crushed Japan without forcing (52-12) are due to injuries. In the third row, in the absence of François Cros who suffered a concussion, it is the powerful Paul Boudehent who is established, associated with Alexandre Roumat and Grégory Alldritt.
The first and second rows are unchanged, the right pillar Tevita Tatafu making a second selection after the withdrawal of Uini Atonio, still struggling with his calf, while the second row Thibaud Flament is there, after having received a blow on the crest iliac (pelvis).
Behind, Gabin Villière returns to the XV, starting on the wing, taking advantage of the absences of Damian Penaud (ill) and Théo Attissogbe (knee sprain). Twenty-three players to take on a great challenge, and “really start the journey for Australia”and the 2027 World Cup.
