Marcoussis (France) (AFP)

Five new faces, zero selection.

Fabien Galthié summoned five "rookies" to prepare France - Wales on October 24 at the Stade de France, including two real novices, George-Henri Colombe Reazel and Olivier Klemenczak, never called before in the enlarged group of 42.

.

Arthur Retière (La Rochelle, winger)

Attention killer!

Arthur Retière, 21, is a "serial marker".

A supersonic winger with devastating punch and downforce.

All condensed in a riquiqui format (1m70, 72 kgs).

The Rochelais, son of DTN Didier Retière, could have known his first selection at the beginning of the year since he was in the group of 42. The best scorer of tests last season in Top 14 can now dream of a first cape because the competition of Vincent Rattez (Montpellier, 5 selections) and Teddy Thomas (Racing 92, 19 selections) does not seem insurmountable.

No more than that of Gaël Fickou (French Stadium, 55 caps), the captain of the blue defense.

Usual center, Fickou had indeed helped out on the wing against Wales and Scotland.

Retière, international U20, therefore had to wait his turn.

It may be at the end of October.

.

George-Henri Colombe Reazel (Racing 92, pillar)

At 22, the mainstay of Racing 92 has made a more than convincing start to the season.

Holder in the European Cup, facing Clermont (36-27) in the quarter then the Saracens (19-15) in the half, Colombe Reazel visibly convinced the staff of the Blues.

Fabien Galthié has also confided, "he has been on the radar for a while".

It must be said that the colossus (1.93 m, 130 kgs) is solid.

"If Laurent Travers trusts him in Racing, it is no coincidence," insists Galthié.

"He was trained in the Pro D2 (Nevers) games and I like this course. He logically fits into our group and will have, in the near future, the possibility of developing," adds the boss of the Blues.

.

Killian Geraci (Lyon, second row)

He is a regular on the list of 42. After having been a reservist for a long time, the second line of the LOU was called by Fabien Galthié in the 31. Not sure, however, that the red-haired giant (2 m) of 21 years old does not manage to do his hole.

In front of him, the "Springboks" of the Blues Bernard Le Roux (Racing 92, 41 selections) and Paul Willemse (Montpellier, 9 selections) seem irremovable.

Just like the versatile François Cros, indisputable holder in the third row.

Toulonnais Romain Taofifenua (30 years old, 17 caps) also seems certain by his experience and his slaughter.

But Geraci says it himself: he's here to learn.

.

Selevasio Tolofua (Toulouse, third row)

In the Tolofua family, there is Abraham, the uncle, a solid pillar of Béziers and Montferrand.

The Blues also know Christopher, the older brother, hooker of Toulouse, Toulon and Saracens.

Marcoussis will therefore discover Selevasio, the third line of his profession.

At 23, the youngest has been built up little by little, through perseverance.

In Toulouse, he won in an XXL workforce, scratching his place like balloons, forged in work and requirement.

A potential and a seriousness that will certainly please the staff of the Blues.

.

Olivier Klemenczak (Racing 92, center)

"Good and consistent."

Asked about the center of Racing 92, Fabien Galthié did not emphasize.

But his complementarity with his teammate at Racing 92, and indisputable holder in Blue, Virimi Vakatawa, obviously played a role.

"We had it on our list since we took office. He has been performing well. We wanted four crosses and Hériteau's injury pushes us to give Klemenczak a chance," said Galthié.

At 24, all he has to do is grab it.

© 2020 AFP