Marcoussis (France) (AFP)
Holders in power against the Welsh, on Saturday in Cardiff, the winger Damian Penaud, the scrum half Antoine Dupont and the third line Grégory Alldritt were all spared during the session of the XV of France, Tuesday, in Marcoussis.
Alldritt and Dupont, who both suffer from mild back pain, participated in the "high intensity" training on Wednesday but without trying too hard. Penaud was left completely idle for his return to the Blue after missing the shocks to England and then Italy due to a left calf injury.
The Clermontois was seen at the start of the session giving advice to his teammate Alivereti Raka (25, 4 selections), recalled by the staff of the XV of France to replace Toulonnais Julien Hériteau (25, 0 selection), victim of a dislocated shoulder.
Raka joins Bayonnais Guillaume Ducat (23, 0 selection), Bordeaux Maxime Lucu (26, 0 selection), Castrais Baptiste Delaporte (22, 0 selection) and Toulousain Lucas Tauzin (21), respective alternates of Cyril Cazeaux (ankle), Baptiste Couilloud (gastro), Sekou Macalou (hip) and Lester Etien (muscle problem).
A group of five to which must be added a surprise guest, the third line of Castres Anthony Jelonch (23 years old, 2 caps), summoned due to the injury of Toulousain Selevasio Tolofua, victim of a crutch in Top 14 against Racing 92 .
On the other hand, the opener Romain Ntamack, spared at the end of last week, resumed training and even made the rab with a series of penalties at the end of a session where the Blues worked the Welsh offensive device. "A serious, concentrated, compact session", promised manager Raphaël Ibanez.
In the evening, the XV of France female and male will have dinner together.
Fabien Galthié will announce Thursday the list of 23 who will fly to Cardiff the same for the same day to go challenge the XV of Leek, Saturday, on behalf of the 3rd day of the Six Nations Tournament.
© 2020 AFP