Kumamoto (Japan) (AFP)

Right Pillar Demba Bamba, expected to start against the United States the next match of World Cup XV of France, Wednesday in Fukuoka, having missed all three preparation matches, left the training Friday afternoon in Kumamoto (South of Japan) because of a pain in a thigh.

The information of RMC Sport, confirmed to AFP by the coaching of the Blues, should cause headaches to the coach Jacques Brunel. In the event of Bamba's withdrawal (21 years, 7 sel.), He would have only two valid right-handers, Emerick Setiano and Rabah Slimani: Brunel would therefore be forced to align the latter, holder against Argentina last Saturday (23-21), on the scoresheet against the Americans while he was likely to blow it for the third appointment, only four days later against Tonga (October 6).

And if Bamba were to give up the meeting with the Tongans, the two right pillars would be forced to "double". Six days before the last group match, against England (12).

The world champion under 20 years 2018 would see his return delayed because he missed the three games of preparation following his cervical surgery in early June.

Before his injury, the neo-Lyonnais, like his teammates, was in any case informed of the composition of the team that will face the United States Wednesday in Fukuoka (southern Japan) and will be officially announced Monday morning (4:00 French) .

According to information from AFP, it could be largely reworked compared to success against Pumas.

Behind, only Gaël Fickou, the first center, and Yoann Huget, on a wing, would keep their place. They would be accompanied by Thomas Ramos (back), Alivereti Raka (wing) and Sofiane Guitoune (second center).

At the hinge, Camille Lopez, author of the victory drop Saturday just after coming into play, would be preferred to Romain Ntamack. Who will he be associated with? A priori not to Antoine Dupont, spared like Ntamack in view of the two appointments against Tonga and the English.

Maxime Machenaud, substitute of Dupont Saturday, and Baptiste Serin are thus in balance to occupy the position of scrum half.

As Setiano and Slimani before, so, if Bamba declared forfeit. Beside, the staff should change his hooker (Camille Chat preferred to captain Guilhem Guirado) and his left pillar, with the tenure of Cyril Baille.

Just behind, the hitch would be renewed 100% and confidence placed in the pair Le Roux-Gabrillagues.

A doubt remains however on the identity of the substitute, between Sebastien Vahaamahina and Arthur Iturria, who formed the pair last Saturday.

If the second was chosen, then Charles Ollivon should follow in third line, alongside Louis Picamoles and Yacouba Camara, who would replace Grégory Alldritt and Wenceslas Lauret. If it is Vahaamahina, Iturria would undoubtedly find his position in the third line.

On Saturday, the Blues will return to the Suizenji Athletic Field in Kumamaoto, with the "continuous days" that made them suffer during the preparation: training from 9:00 to 12:00, with a few short breaks. They will rest Sunday.

The starting XV possible: Ramos - Raka, Guitoune, Fickou, Huget - (o) Lopez, (m) Serin (or Machenaud) - Iturria (or Ollivon), Picamoles, Camara - Gabrillagues, Le Roux - Bamba (or Setiano) , Cat, Baille

© 2019 AFP