In Rueil-Malmaison,
That’s it, rugby France knows the 15 men called to start one of the most important matches in its history, if not the biggest, against New Zealand on Friday at the opening of the World Cup. Jonathan Danty will not be. The powerful three-quarter center, who remained on a remarkable performance against Australia in preparation, is not recovered in time from his injury. Yoram Moefana will take his place alongside Gaël Fickou at the heart of the back lines. For the rest, no surprise, given the known absence of Paul Willemse in the second line, replaced by Cameron Woki. Matthieu Jalibert is confirmed as fly half.
“We have prepared to be able to adapt to all situations, explained Fabien Galthié at a press conference, this Wednesday noon. We have full confidence in this pair of centers (Fickou-Moefana), it is an association that we have already tested. It’s our best team from France that you see today. The coach was as we know him for this announcement of composition, basing himself on the work accomplished since the beginning of the mandate to justify absolute confidence. “It will be our 40th game together, so all the players lined up are a given. We have no doubt about their potential and their ability to perform,” he said.
The five players who went to the microphone after him, in the small crowded room adjoining the Rueil-Malmaison stadium, were obviously on the same line. “We are losing a strong element but we have another to replace him,” assured winger Gabin Villière, before making the presentations: “Jonathan brings us a lot through his scratching and the penalties he can recover through his advances. , but Yoram will be present with his own strengths, his ability to pass after contact. It is up to us to know how to use its qualities well. »
Treatments, videos and coffee
The announcement of the fifteen lucky winners was a highlight of the group’s week, Tuesday at the end of the day. This opening match becomes more and more concrete as the hours pass. “The closer we get to it, the more we feel the excitement rising, in the group but also outside, with the number of media present, the supporters, the social networks”, observes Antoine Dupont. But the Blues remain safe from any rise in tension, promises their captain. “It is above all enthusiasm and desire that fills the group today. I don’t feel any insane pressure. »
In the meantime, this Wednesday is rest for the players. On the menu, recovery, treatments with physiotherapists for those who want to and even the possibility of going out into town for some fresh air or a little coffee. The more studious can take a look at the All Blacks game analysis videos, too. “Everyone has their own program to fill the energy bar and make it barely bursting in two days,” sums up Villière.