Paris (AFP)
The opener Matthieu Jalibert and the third row Cameron Woki, initially selected for the preparation of the rugby match France - Wales (October 24), have been replaced, announced Tuesday the French Rugby Federation (FFR) without specifying the reasons .
According to the press, the two Bordeaux-Bègles players are fixed for the preparation for medical reason.
The two Bordelais are replaced by two neophytes: the third line from Pau Baptiste Pesenti (23 years old) takes the place of Woki (21 years old, 2 selections) and the Toulon winger Gabin Villière (24 years old) that of Jalibert (21 years, 5 selections).
The XV of France must play six matches from the end of October to the beginning of December on the occasion of the international autumn window widened by World Rugby because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Coach Fabien Galthié has selected 31 players to prepare for the first of this series, against the Welsh at the Stade de France.
The Blues must meet on October 19 in Marcoussis (Essonne) to prepare for this friendly meeting organized a week before their last match of the 2020 Six Nations Tournament against Ireland, on October 31 in Saint-Denis.
© 2020 AFP