A returning star and young at heart. This is what we must remember from the composition of the French XV that will face Japan, revealed by Fabien Galthié this Thursday in Marcoussis. The Blues coach has confirmed that Antoine Dupont, absent for more than a year with the XV to favor the 7 with which he became Olympic champion, will return as scrum-half and captain on Saturday (9.10pm) at the Stade de France.
As expected, the French rugby star will be paired at the zipper with his Toulouse teammate Thomas Ramos, usual full-back. It is therefore the Parisian Léo Barré who finds the number 15 again, as in the last two matches of the Six Nations Tournament. The Bordelais Matthieu Jalibert, starter at the opening during the last World Cup, is a substitute.
In the rearguard, in addition to the usual Bordeaux wingers Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the presence of the pair Yoram Moefana (24 years, 28 appearances) - Émilien Gailleton (21 years, 3 appearances) should be noted. Bordeaux and Palois relegate the immovable Gaël Fickou (30 years, 90 appearances) to the bench.
First for Tatafu
Another absent thirty-year-old, the third row Charles Ollivon, former captain, is out of the group of 23. The third row is made up of Alexandre Roumat and François Cros in the flanker positions, and Grégory Alldritt, captain during the last Tournament in the absence of Dupont, number 8 for his 50th selection.
On the front line, in front of the Flament-Meafou team of Toulouse, the right pillar of Bayonne, of Tongan origins, Tevita Tatafu (22 years old) will celebrate his first selection. Peato Mauvaka is preferred to Julien Marchand to start at hooker, and Jean-Baptiste Gros will start on the left.
The composition of the French XV against Japan (Saturday at 9pm, at the Stade de France)
Starting from the fifteenth: Barré – Penaud, Moefana, Gailleton, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Dupont (cap.) – Roumat, Alldritt, Cros – Meafou, Flament – Tatafu, Mauvaka, Gros.
Substitutes: Marchand, Wardi, Colombe, Guillard, Boudehent, Lucu, Jalibert, Fickou.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rugby Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to our special interview where we dive into the exciting facets of the upcoming rugby match between France and Japan. Today, we have an expert in the field, rugby analyst and commentator, Dr. Claire Moreau. Claire, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Claire Moreau: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss what promises to be an electrifying match.
TNE: Let’s start with some buzz around the French squad. The return of Antoine Dupont is a significant highlight, isn’t it? What does his presence mean for the team?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely! Dupont is not just a highly skilled scrum-half; he’s a natural leader and the heartbeat of the French team. His absence over the past year was felt deeply, but his return as captain brings an invaluable experience and synergy, especially paired with his Toulouse teammate Thomas Ramos. Their familiarity will be critical as they orchestrate the game flow against Japan.
TNE: Speaking of teamwork, how do you see the combination of players like Ramos, Barré, and Jalibert shaping up for this match?
Dr. Moreau: The combination is quite interesting. Ramos is known for his agility and tactical kicking, which complements Dupont’s playmaking abilities. Léo Barré stepping in at full-back indicates the coach’s confidence in his defensive and attacking skills, built during the Six Nations. While Jalibert brings a lot to the table and is a seasoned player, it seems Galthié is looking for a quicker response from Barré’s youthful energy against Japan’s fast-paced style.
TNE: Now, let’s discuss the backline. The inclusion of young talents like Yoram Moefana and Émilien Gailleton is notable. What does that say about France’s strategy moving forward?
Dr. Moreau: It illustrates a bold shift towards nurturing young talent while maintaining a balance with experienced players. This pairing of Moefana and Gailleton might be aimed at enhancing France’s speed and defensive resilience. Additionally, having someone like Gaël Fickou on the bench is a smart move; his experience can be pivotal as a late-game tactical advantage.
TNE: The match is taking place at Stade de France, which is known for its electric atmosphere. How important is home advantage in a game of this nature?
Dr. Moreau: It’s absolutely crucial. The home crowd can lift the players, adding an extra layer of motivation and energy. France has a proud rugby tradition, and the support from the fans typically translates into strong performances. I anticipate that crowd support will be a key factor as they rally behind their team.
TNE: Lastly, what are your predictions for the match? What should fans be on the lookout for?
Dr. Moreau: Fans can expect a thrilling contest. I believe the French team will focus on a high-tempo game, utilizing their speed and skill. Watch for the interplay between Dupont and Ramos; their decisions will significantly influence the match’s momentum. Defensively, it will be interesting to see how the younger players manage Japan’s swift attack. it should be an interesting clash of styles.
TNE: Thank you, Claire! Your insights have been incredibly valuable. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how this match unfolds.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me! It’s going to be an exhilarating game, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.