France's Rugby XV Prepares for November Tour with Key Changes
The French national rugby team, known as the XV of France, is gearing up for a crucial autumn tour with three test matches scheduled at the Stade de France. Head coach Fabien Galthié announced a squad of 42 players, significantly larger than the 34 used during the Six Nations Tournament. This tour will see the team face Japan on November 9, New Zealand on November 16, and Argentina on November 22. The return of star player Antoine Dupont, who has been absent since the World Cup quarter-final against South Africa, is the highlight of this squad. Dupont's recent successes include winning a Champions Cup-Top 14 double with Stade Toulouse and an Olympic gold medal with the French 7s team.
The squad features a blend of experienced players and newcomers, including six potential debutants. Among them are Tevita Tatafu, Marko Gazzotti, Pierre Bochaton, Mickaël Guillard, Joshua Brennan, and Paul Costes. However, several key players are missing due to injuries or off-field issues. Notably, Romain Ntamack, the primary fly-half, is sidelined with a torn calf, leading to speculation about a reshuffled backline. Thomas Ramos may take over the fly-half duties, while other players like Baptiste Couilloud and Baptiste Serin have been left out despite strong performances in the Top 14.
Notable Absences and Team Dynamics
The absence of players such as Melvyn Jaminet, who is serving a suspension for racist remarks, and others involved in legal troubles, including Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, has significantly impacted team selection. President of the French Rugby Federation, Florian Grill, has made it clear that Jaminet's future with the national team is in jeopardy. The selections reflect Galthié's efforts to stabilize the squad amid these challenges, focusing on players who can contribute positively to the team's dynamics.
As the team gathers in Marcoussis on October 27 for training, the focus will be on building cohesion and preparing for the upcoming matches. With the first test against Japan just weeks away, the XV of France aims to rebound from a disappointing summer tour and establish a strong presence in international rugby once again.
