Anthem controversy: discussions continue after summit meeting
A meeting took place this morning on the subject of the choir scrum, between all stakeholders. Discussions and work continue. No decision at this stage.
NP
France-Uruguay: the composition of the Blues becomes clearer with Taofifenua preferred to Chalureau
According to our information, here is the probable composition of the XV of France to face Uruguay, this Thursday in Lille (9 p.m.), during its second match at the 2023 World Cup.
Gros, Bourgarit, Aldegheri – Woki, Taofifenua – Boudehent, Macalou, Jelonch – Lucu, Hastoy – Villiere, Moefana, Vincent, Bielle-Biarrey – Jaminet
Jonathan Danty, announced to return to play for Uruguay by Laurent Labit, is not expected to start by the staff. Anthony Jelonch is expected to start after more than six months of absence.
The main uncertainty is in the second line. For the moment, Romain Taofifenua holds the blue chasuble (color of the holders) and the number 19, while Bastien Chalureau evolves in white with the number 5.
J.L.
Hymn controversy: a meeting takes place this Monday
According to our information, there is a meeting this Monday between France 2023, World Rugby and the Ministry of Sports on the subject of anthems. Since the start of the competition, the interpretation of hymns by a children’s choir as part of the “Mêlée des choirs” operation has not escaped criticism.
In the end, it was a real cacophony that resonated in the aisles of the Stade de France on Friday for the opening match between the Blues and the All Blacks. Between the audience, the children’s choir and the players, it is difficult to detect a certain harmony during the Marseillaise.
Apart from a few exceptions, such as during the opening match on Friday, the young singers do not have access to the pitches. These are recorded soundtracks which are broadcast in the stadiums, as was the case during from Italy-Namibia this Saturday in Saint-Étienne.
RMC Sport
More information here.
Julien Marchand stays with the Blues
Released at the start of the match during France’s success against New Zealand (27-13), Julien Marchand received the first good news about the progress of his injury. The Toulouse hooker will be able to stay with the France group and new exams are planned soon. The Blues staff still hope to get it back before the end of the World Cup.
The press release from the XV of France:
“Following a playing accident which caused excessive strain on his hamstrings during the opening match of the World Cup against New Zealand last Friday leading to his exit from the game, Julien MARCHAND carried out medical examinations which revealed a muscular lesion in the left hamstring.
He remains within the France group pursuing specific preparation, while benefiting from care adapted to his condition. New examinations are planned for the end of the week to observe the progress of his recovery.”
More information here.
World Rugby draws up an initial positive assessment but recognizes hiccups regarding access to stadiums
World Rugby, the international federation, published a press release this Monday to provide an initial positive assessment of the first day of the World Cup, while recognizing problems with access to stadiums in Marseille and Bordeaux.
“The incredible enthusiasm was felt on all the sites, whether in the stadiums – more than 220,000 spectators present over the 8 matches – or in the Rugby Villages, which brought together more than 140,000 people for the match. “opening between France and New Zealand.”
“If during the day on Saturday, access to the stadium for spectators had been slowed or delayed in Marseille and to a lesser extent in Bordeaux, the corrective actions which were immediately taken for Sunday’s matches were followed up. The matches were all played in a context of security, fluid access to the stadiums and improvement of the spectator experience.”
The program of the 2nd day
Thursday September 14, 2023
9 p.m.: France – Uruguay (group A)
Friday September 15, 2023
9 p.m.: New Zealand – Namibia (9 p.m., group A)
Saturday September 16, 2023
3 p.m.: Samoa – Chile (group D)
5:45 p.m.: Wales – Portugal (group C)
9 p.m.: Ireland – Tonga (group B)
Sunday September 17, 2023
3 p.m.: South Africa – Romania (group D)
5:45 p.m.: Australia – Fiji (group C)
9 p.m.: England – Japan (group D)
Hello everyone!
Welcome to our live to follow all the information before the second day of the World Cup which will begin Thursday with the France-Uruguay match (9 p.m. in Lille).