After hearing the echo of a moving anecdote, Fabien Galthié decided to start Botia (planned in the 3rd line) in the center alongside Vakatawa.
We knew Fabien Galthié’s coaching qualities, but not necessarily his sentimental side. The one who is in charge of Barbarians British for the match against England this Sunday at Twickenham, has decided to review its plans. He intended to establish Vakatawa in the center, and Botia in the 3rd line. But the coach of the XV of France was touched by an anecdote which concerns the two players. “During a dinner, I learned that Botia and Vakatawa had played together in the same school team in Fiji. But they haven’t played together since.” explains Fabien Galthié to Rugby Pass. Ct is therefore the perfect opportunity for Vakatawa and Botia, who will meet side by side this Sunday. “It’s like a gift for them. So I changed our plan and so they are at their school posts,” adds the coach of the blues.
Composition des Barbarians :
Holders: Spring – Penaud, Vakatawa, Botia, Niniashvili – (o) Hastoy, (m) Couilloud – Ollivon (cap.), Tanga, Cretin – Skelton, Kruis – Gigashvili, Bourgarit, Gros.
Replacements: Priso, Tolofua, Falatea, Lavault, Le Garrec, Carbonel, Macalou, Vili