Fabien Galthié during France-Wales, March 20, 2021. – Francois Mori / AP / SIPA
The coach of the XV of France Fabien Galthié hopes “to have two complete teams” for the tour in Australia, in July, he explained to the South West daily. The Blues must thus face the Wallabies on three occasions, on July 7, 13 and 17. The French internationals who will play the Top 14 final scheduled for June 25, will therefore not be able to play the first duel against the Wallabies, any person arriving from abroad being subject to a 14-day quarantine in a hotel.
“The agreement (between the LNR and the FFR) allows 35 players. We are discussing very constructively with the League. With a second test six days after the first and third still six days later, we will have to have two complete teams ”, considers Galthié in the columns. of South West. “One who plays the first test match, another the second. A third who would be the first, reinforced by those who will have a limited playing time during the second, ”he added.
The staff of the Blues therefore intends to take 46 players to Australia: “This is why our preselection is extended to a minimum of six players per position and nine players in very specific positions such as the first line or the hinge, where versatility hardly exists. With three tests to play in ten days, we must ensure that we have a sufficient number in these specific positions because if we have injuries, we will not be able to call on players who will be in France, given the health constraints. “, Still estimated the coach.
The vice-president of the FFR Serge Simon recently explained to AFP that the XV of France could train in Australia “without contact with the outside” despite the imposed fortnight.