Grégory Alldritt will be out for the third day of the 6 Nations Tournament, against Italy. In a context also marked by the absence of Anthony Jelonch, which profile will succeed the powerful La Rochelle player?
The Toulouse player has been the best French player since the start of the Tournament. Facing Scotland, the usual flanker finished the match as number eight after Alldritt was injured. He was also the author of a nice exit from the scrum on the action of theBielle-Biarrey test. Will Cros, therefore, start in the center of the third line against Italy? The question can legitimately be asked. In his career, the native of the Pink City started 11% of his matches with the 8 on his back. The last time was on April 29 against Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final.
Due to his profile and his style of play, it would perhaps be the least surprising choice on the part of the staff of the XV of France. Paul Boudehent necessarily plays more on the wing of the third line than in the center at club. Logical, when you play in the same squad as Grégory Alldritt. Since the start of his career, Boudehent has played less in the position in question than Cros (9%). Being protected this weekend, we can easily think that the Rochelais has a good card to play to gain a place in the starting fifteen. It remains to be seen in what position…
Paul Boudehent started 9% of his matches at the center of the third line.
Let’s not forget that he started his career in this position. Obviously, Ollivon is today a world reference in the third wing position. But a little step backwards could not be ruled out. If the French XV ever needs it, the Toulonnais can do more than help out behind the scrum. Well, his last tenure in the position dates back to April 9, 2022, but automatisms are not lost that easily!
And if it was him ? Alexandre Roumat is in great shape and has just celebrated his first selection with the XV of France. Are the Blues having problems on the sidelines? The Toulouse resident excels in this sector. Has the play of Fabien Galthié’s men left something to be desired since the start of this 2024 Tournament? The former Biarrot is agile with his hands. And finally, the native of Dax is used to playing in the center of the third line in Toulouse, it is in this position that he lifted the Brennus Shield last season. That makes arguments…
Alexandre Roumat has a great card to play.
No longer really in Fabien Galthié’s plans at the start of 2024, the Parisian could “take advantage” of the absence of Grégory Alldritt against Italy to find a place in the group of 34. Very good on the field of ‘Oyonnax around ten days ago, Macalou should have a new opportunity to show himself this weekend against Perpignan. If the Blues staff ever recall the Pink Soldier, he would then have some training sessions to score points. Yes, it’s the big odds…
In fact, it seems that Macalou and Tanga are on the same starting line at the moment. These two men were demoted in the hierarchy, but did not lose their talent. Compared to the Parisian, the Rochelais has the advantage of being a real specialist in the position. We grant you, the former Racing 92 player starts from afar, but it is somehow logical that he is part of this list. Especially since recently, he has been playing matches with the Maritimes.