To reverse the dynamic on Sunday (4 p.m.) against Italy, the XV of France will change nothing, or almost nothing. After the laborious success obtained in Scotland (16-20) on February 10, during the 2nd day of the Six Nations Tournament, Fabien Galthié’s staff should not make any revolution in its match sheet, which will be revealed at 11:45 a.m., this Friday, February 23.
The French coach should line up Perpignan second row Posolo Tuilagi from the outset at the expense of Stade Français captain Paul Gabrillagues. The 19-year-old colossus, U20 world champion in the summer of 2023, entered the game against Ireland then against Scotland, could honor his first start alongside Cameron Woki, also present during the victory at Murrayfield.
Following the withdrawal of Grégory Alldritt, evacuated on a stretcher to Scotland, Rochelais Paul Boudehent could be chosen as the third wing line. François Cros and Charles Ollivon, captain in the absence of Grégory Alldritt, will be, barring any surprises, renewed, just like the first line and the three-quarter line. These two changes against Italy – forced, for one, sporty for the other – could allow the French team, 4th in the ranking, to sign its second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The probable composition of the French XV against Italy:
Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Jalibert, (m) Lucu – Ollivon (cap.), Cros, Boudehent – Tuilagi, Woki – Atonio, Mauvaka, Baille.
Substitutes : Marchand, S. Taofifenua, Aldegheri, R. Taofifenua, Roumat, Abadie, Le Garrec, Moefana.