Marcoussis (France) (AFP)

From vice-captain to substitute ... until leaving the group. Jefferson Poirot is not one of the 23 players summoned by the XV of France to face Wales in the VI Nations tournament. A heavy blow for the pillar of the UBB.

When Fabien Galthié arrived on the bench of the Blues, this summer, his name returned to become captain. At the end of the quarter-final, lost 20-19 ... against the Welsh, Poirot (27, 35 caps) put himself forward, saying he wanted to "play a role in this group".

Present since the first day of the rally, he obviously did not convince the staff of the Blues. We even saw him leave training on Wednesday, a bit grumpy, despite a breakthrough of 50 meters under the white chasuble of the replacements. A change as radical as it is rapid.

"As long as we are in the field, there is a way to express ourselves. We are 42, there are more than twenty guys watching in the stands or watching TV ... When we are there, we can't be choosy or say that they deserve better. Today, I take what I am given. I am in a position where it moves a lot, where the rotation is fast. Whatever happens , I have something to contribute ", explained the interested party recently.

Poirot was however irremovable under Jacques Brunel and, since his debut in February 2016, had started 31 matches in the shoes of a titular player. But his status faltered. And Fabien Galthié, landed Thursday at a press conference with chocolates, did not give him gifts.

- Baile holds the rope -

In question, "the very very good performance of Cyril Baille", according to Galthié, against the English then the Italians. The Toulousain (26 years old, 19 caps), mobile pillar and very good ball handler for having started as a back then third line, seems to have gained the upper hand over his direct competitor to the left of the blue scrum.

But Poirot, the third most capped player of the XV of France (behind Gaël Fickou and Bernard Le Roux), also pays his entry into play cutesy against the Squadra. Baille also seems to provide more melee guarantees, a key sector for the Blues in Cardiff.

"Jefferson is still part of the France group, of the 42 who trained this morning," however tempers Galthié.

"We have, of course, taken the time to speak with him. As with all the players who are not on the scoresheet and who were before: Cameron Woki, Boris Palu, Peato Mauvaka ... We took time to explain our choices. Before announcing the team to the players. We talk to them early on Monday. The players know exactly what is expected of them and what they are capable of. produce, "added the coach.

Poirot's history with the XV of Leek is not very positive anyway: four matches, four starts but four defeats, including the quarterfinal of the Oita World Cup. Whoever had to bring his experience to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff will finally go to Clermont.

© 2020 AFP