Oita (Japan) (AFP)

The XV of France will have to do without Damian Penaud, his "factor X" in attack, Sunday during the quarter-final World Cup against Wales? The assumption became thick on Wednesday, as the winger did not train at Oita with the rest of the team.

Unlike the scrum-half Antoine Dupont, spared in recent days because of back problems, Penaud (23 years old, 15 sel.) Was absent from the group session of the afternoon on the grounds of Danoharu Sports Park from Oita (South of Japan) after having tested, at a slow pace, in the morning with the physical trainer Nicolas Jeanjean.

While his teammates were working in the afternoon, Penaud, who had been handicapped since Sunday in the lower abdomen area, had MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), which revealed no lesions, according to the supervision.

Will his pains prevent one of the main blaster defense of the Blues, as against Argentina opening the World (23-21), to take his place Sunday? The announcement of the team composition on Friday (15:00 local / 08:00 French), will lift the veil.

Until then, no collective session is scheduled, since the Blues will rest Thursday. Only two training sessions on the Oita stadium field will be held until Friday, before the traditional Saturday match watch at Danoharu Sports Park, England and Australia. compete on Saturday in the Oita stadium.

The absence of Penaud would be a blow for the Blues, as the winger is valuable to break the defenses and recover referrals with its impressive relaxation.

"These are (Penaud and Dupont) very important players of course, big individualities capable of making differences on their own, but we also have + stuff + behind to replace them, talented players. hurt, has a problem, we have 100% confidence in the guy who must replace him "commented the second line Paul Gabrillagues.

- Raka is ready -

In case of a forfeit, Penaud would be replaced, in view of Wednesday's training, by his teammate Clermont Alivereti Raka (24 years, 4 sel.).

The winger of Fijian origin is also able to cross and finish the action thanks to his power, as he showed against the Tonga (23-21 October 6), registering a test and being at the origin of the another marked by the Blues.

But he is also often subject to hand fouls and absences in defense, like his performance against the United States (33-9 October 2) or Scotland (17-14 defeat) in preparation.

Above all, it offers much less guarantees than Penaud face the game at the foot of the opponent. If he is titular, he should be particularly targeted, in the air or on his back, by the Welsh, whose offensive footing is one of the favorite weapons.

Apart from the uncertainty surrounding the case Penaud, coaching should renew the starting team he intended to align last Saturday against England before the meeting is canceled because of typhoon Hagibis.

That is the winners of Argentina, with the exception of Arthur Iturria, who should be replaced in second line by Bernard Le Roux, at the higher physical density. Guilhem Guirado, replacing Camille Chat against the Americans and Tongans, would find his place of hooker and captain status.

The probable starting XV: Medard - Penaud (or Raka), Vakatawa, Fickou, Huget - (o) Ntamack, (m) A. Dupont - Ollivon, Alldritt, Lauret - Vahaamahina, B. Le Roux - Slimani, Guirado (cap ), Poirot

© 2019 AFP