Kumamoto (Japan) (AFP)
We change everything, or almost: only three players who started the first match of World Cup XV of France, against Argentina (23-21), were renewed Monday in the starting team to face the United States Wednesday (9:45 French) in Fukuoka (southern Japan).
The "lucky ones" are Arthur Iturria, repositioned from second to third line, winger Yoann Huget and center Gaël Fickou. But for the rest, the coach Jacques Brunel proceeded to a very large reshuffle, a choice justified in part by the proximity of the third meeting, only four days later, against Tonga Sunday in Kumamoto.
"We tried to balance on both sides, to make everybody play, some people will double, we tried to take into account the shape and the health of everyone." said Brunel to the press.
On the other hand, the prospect of facing England on 12 October in Yokohama, just six days after the match against the Tongans, had no influence on the composition of the teams, according to Brunel.
"Frankly, we have not thought about the composition of England.What matters to us is to win these two games.If this is the case and that Argentina loses against England (Saturday) Normally we are qualified, "answered Brunel. True in all cases, if the Blues win both games by taking at least one offensive bonus point.
- Only "six new" -
Place first in the United States, where twelve players make their appearance in the starting XV. A risk for the XV of France always convalescent, even if the "Eagles", swept by the English (45-7), appear on paper, as the weakest team of this pool C, called "of death "?
"No," sat Sofiane Guitoune on Saturday. "We have been training together for three months, everyone has played on the friendly matches, there have been several tried-and-tested formulas, I do not think that changes much."
Monday, Brunel has nuanced this great upheaval: "There are many changes, but without it anyway because 17 players were on the score sheet last weekend. not all holders, there are only six new ones. "
Either the right pillar Emerick Setiano, who will honor his first tenure, the second line Paul Gabrillagues, the third line Yacouba Camara, Guitoune in the center and Alivereti Raka on a wing. And among substitute Baptist Serin.
- Captain Picamoles -
Serin sees again pass him in front of Maxime Machenaud, chosen to the post of scrum half to form the hinge with Camille Lopez. As against the Pumas (for a jump seat on the bench), while the Bordelais had been Antoine Dupont's substitute for the three preparation matches, for which Machenaud was injured.
"Maxime Machenaud was substitute in the first game, we chose to start it, we stayed in the continuity of our first choice, and we hope that Baptiste will also have a chance," commented Brunel.
The coach had justified the choice Machenaud, before the game against the Argentineans by his superior experience, that he thought useful to handle a end of the game under pressure - which turned out.
He continued in this same logic for this second meeting, placing his executives on the bench (Guirado, Poirot, Slimani, Vahaamahina, Medard). He was forced to some positions (pillars or rear), but could for example have blown Sébastien Vahaamahina and Captain Guilhem Guirado, in addition to Charles Ollivon, Wenceslas Lauret, Dupont, Virimi Vakatawa and Damian Penaud.
Guirado will be replaced as captain by Louis Picamoles (33, 80 sel.), Who "prevailed" according to Brunel: "He has the most experience in this reworked team. post and a role he knows (in Montpellier), he was the one with the most guarantees ". The N.8 will take this charge for the first time in blue.
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