The Top 14 weekend did damage to Fabien Galthié’s France group. Selected for the November tour, Romain Buros (Union-Bordeaux-Bègles) was injured in the right thigh against Clermont and will be absent with the Blues, as will Florian Verhaeghe (Montpellier Hérault Rugby) who suffered a groin injury against Racing 92. two players will therefore not know their first selection with the XV of France. These two packages are in addition to that of the most experienced Jean-Baptiste Gros (RC Toulon, 21 caps), victim of a fractured radius against Castres on Saturday.
Devoid at the back
To compose his group of 42 players, Fabien Galthié has therefore chosen three new reinforcements. As the left pillar, Stade Français player Clément Castets was called up. Behind, the Castrese Louis Le Brun, considered an opener, replaces the rear or winger Romain Buros numerically. The position of number 15 is already empty with the absence of Melvyn Jaminet. The 20-year-old player, holder with the CO on Saturday against Toulon, was present during the Blues tour in Japan.
Last called, the second line of the UBB Thomas Jolmes, already two selections to his credit this summer in Japan, completes the group of 42 players of Fabien Galthié for the November tour. With the already known absences of Cyril Baille, Melvyn Jaminet, Demba Bamba, Arthur Vincent, Gabin Villière or François Cros, the coach of the Blues is not spoiled. The XV of France will begin their three-game series against Australia on November 5, before challenging South Africa the following week in Marseille, and concluding against Japan on November 20 in Toulouse.
There remains a Top 14 meeting, this Sunday evening, between Toulouse and La Rochelle, before the gathering of the Blues in Marcoussis.