Fabien Galthié will have to do without his former captain when he takes on the Pumas at the Stade de France on Friday evening.
In the dark, illuminated by the big pylons, and under a light rain, the XV de France carried out their traditional high-intensity training session on Tuesday evening. And, as always, the game of chasubles provided clues as to the team that will be officially unveiled by Fabien Galthié at 11am on Wednesday.
To take on Argentina at the Stade de France on Fridaythe coach welcomes back three of his key players, including right-back Uini Atonio, who has finally recovered from his long-standing calf strain, and wing-three François Cros, who was rested for eight days after suffering a concussion. against Japan in the autumn tour opener on November 9. The third is Charles Ollivon, out of the squad against Japan, substitute against the All Blacks and presumed starter against Argentina.
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Injured for the first two tests, the experienced Rochelais returns to the starting XV in place of Tevita Tatafu, injured ankle and quadriceps against New Zealand. As for the Toulouse man, he takes his place. But, surprise, not at the expense of Paul Boudehent, scorer of three tries in two gamesbut Grégory Alldritt, with Charles Ollivon moving to the center of the third row and Alexandre Roumat sliding down to the bench.
Alldritt had not left the starting XV since autumn 2021.
Another strong choice by Fabien Galthié who, after leaving out Fickou (before reinstating him against the All Backs) and Ollivon, has put another key member of his team on ice. Physically struggling against the New Zealanders, Grégory Alldritt (27, 52 caps), captain in Antoine Dupont’s absence before handing back the armband, had not left the starting XV for three years and the match of the November tour against… Argentina. We’ll find out on Wednesday whether the Rochelais player slips to the bench or drops out of the starting line-up altogether, the most likely scenario given his yellow jersey…
France’s likely line-up against Argentina:
15. Buros – 14. Villière, 13. Fickou, 12. Moefana, 11. Bielle-Biarrey – 10. Ramos, 9. Dupont (cap) – 8. Ollivon, 7. Cros, 6. Boudehent, – 5. Meafou, 4. Flament – 3. Atonio, 2. Mauvaka, 1. Gros.