Back to business for the Blues. After three days of total break, the players of the XV of France met on Sunday evening at their hotel in Aix-en-Provence. They will be joined very soon by the one everyone has been talking about since the last match against Namibia, their beloved and battered captain Antoine Dupont.
News from the front
Or the cheekbone, rather. Operated on Friday evening, Antoine Dupont is currently enjoying a few days of rest at his home in Castelnau-Magnoac. He should meet his teammates in Aix-en-Provence at the end of the week and resume training (without contact obviously) in the following days. A presence that we imagine will be beneficial for the morale of the troops, while waiting to know if he will be able to play again in this World Cup.
“Just his presence is important. Having Antoine present with us for videos and training, he will be able to bring his expertise to the phases of play, said Artur Vincent at a press conference on Monday. His presence will be important humanly and tactically. » As for the field, everyone wants to be optimistic, but everything will depend on Dupont’s feelings when he resumes collective training, which will not happen before, at best, the week preceding the quarter-finals.
A distinguished guest at training
The players returned to the Georges Carcassonne stadium on Monday for two training sessions, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Grégory Alldritt, who played against Namibia, was present and participated in the entire session without any embarrassment. Julien Marchand, injured during the opening match against New Zealand, resumed the race. The hooker is expected to have the ball in hand during the week.
As for Paul Boudehent, who had gone “bad” on Thursday, to use Fabien Galthié’s witticism (he had entered the game then left a few minutes later, victim of a concussion), he is following the return protocol imposed by World Rugby, which includes a period of twelve days. Note that the session took place under the eyes of a prestigious guest and great rugby connoisseur as an Ariégeois, Fabien Barthez.
A little crowd bath in Aix
Arriving in the “city of a thousand fountains” on September 18, the players and staff have not yet had the opportunity to share much with the local residents. It will be done this Tuesday evening. Make a note of the meeting if you are in the region, it will take place at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville from 7 p.m. The players will notably take part in a signing session.
A cake for Damian Penaud
The new third best try scorer in the history of the French XV celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday. Tut tut!