Boulogne-Billancourt (AFP)
The second line Felix Lambey was not selected for the World Cup because he was perceived "a little behind" in the preparation of the XV of France, said Monday the coach Jacques Brunel.
"It seemed to us that Felix was a little withdrawal in preparation and a little behind in the matches," said Brunel after the announcement of his final list of 31 players for Japan (September 20 - November 2).
Lambey, however, was on the list of 31 theoretical starters, but Brunel had warned that the 6 reservists could overthrow the hierarchy. He preferred to take the third line Charles Ollivon, substitute, and therefore leave with a third line more because of the versatility of Arthur Iturria.
"We can put it that way," said Brunel, who was asked if he had sacrificed Lambey for a third line. "Arthur Iturria plays second and third line and he like all the third line showed a lot of going during preparation and matches."
In the second row, the Reservist Romain Taofifenua did not exceed the competition (Sébastien Vahaamahina, Bernard Le Roux, Paul Gabrillagues), despite the suspensions that could have condemned the last two.
The Toulonnais "made a lot of effort, he lost weight, he had been told for several years, he had not done it, but he did not catch up completely with the small delay he had". explained Brunel.
"But I think he's on the right track, going to have a big season with his club," added Brunel about "Tao".
The Blues will fly Saturday for Japan, 2 weeks before a crucial first match against Argentina on 21 September in Tokyo.
© 2019 AFP