Wales
France
The French XV, largely modified, will have to display a more conquering and more coherent face in Cardiff this Sunday afternoon (4 p.m.), to save what can still be saved in a disappointing 6 Nations Tournament.
This rotation also marks a notable evolution in the philosophy of coach Fabien Galthié who, since his arrival after the 2019 Tournament, has built an image as a champion of stability.
The 2024 Tournament is not looking good so far: a heavy opening setback against Ireland at the beginning of February (38-17), a happy success in Scotland a month ago (20-16) and a draw as pitiful as they were miraculous against Italy two weeks ago (13-13).
“We will soon be better”
Obviously not recovered from the disillusionment of the World Cup, Grégory Alldritt’s teammates, returning from injury, will try to avoid a crisis with a new defeat which would place them on the road to the sad 2016 Tournament, finished in 5th place with two small victories.
The Leek XV remains on three losses, against Scotland (27-26), England (16-14) and Ireland (31-7). Rejuvenated and without the experienced George North, Wales could look like an ideal opponent to get back on track. “I was already asked the question before Italy… When you believe that they are the ideal opponent, when you think that all the conditions are in place to have a very good match…”, warns French attack coach Patrick Arlettaz. Feverish, the French? Galthié promises that they will “soon to be better”. “We are going through a difficult, difficult period. Nobody is satisfied. »
Eight changes to the starting XV
To restart the machine, Galthié made eight changes to his starting XV. He gave a chance to three beginners, the second row Emmanuel Meafou, the center Nicolas Depoortère and the back Léo Barré, while opting for a new hinge with the Racing 92 phenomenon Nolann Le Garrec in the scrum and the usual back of Toulouse Thomas Ramos at the opening. Changes made obligatory both by the results and by the circumstances (poor form of scrum half Maxime Lucu, injury to fly-halfs Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack, absence of captain Antoine Dupont, suspension of center Jonathan Danty, etc.).
Find efficiency
“I am convinced of the strength of character, the collective strength, the fitness of the men to carry out this mission. There is commitment, determination and lucidity”, details Galthié. And to add: “We are in a period of resilience. It only increases my desire to succeed tenfold. »
Since his arrival on the bench, Galthié has always beaten Wales in the Tournament, including in Cardiff (27-23 in 2020 then 13-9 in 2022). To defeat the Welsh Dragons, the Blues, who showed glaring inefficiency during their high points in Italy, will have to breathe fire in attack while avoiding increasing blunders. In short, the opposite of what they have done since the start of this 2024 Tournament.
Sunday March 10 at 4 p.m., on France 2.