Marcoussis (France) (AFP)
On the eve of the announcement of the list of the starting XV which will face Ireland, Saturday at 9:00 pm, the Blues lived a "dense" Wednesday day, according to manager Raphaël Ibanez, including high intensity training.
"It's a dense day, with a lot of consistency", explained Ibanez to the press before the start of the session with "rhythmic and dynamic sequences" and a "voluntary pressurization" of the 31 players present at Marcoussis to prepare the late match of the 2020 Six Nations Tournament.
Only one absent, the back Anthony Bouthier, who continues the protocol of recovery after his concussion in the first period against the Welsh (38-21).
The Montpellier player "is fit and can apply for the match against Ireland," assured Ibanez.
Reinforced by players from the French team at seven and young people with high potential, the Blues therefore experienced a "high intensity" session before moving on to care and recovery after a morning devoted to individual preparation (gym , motor train, specific session for three-quarters).
The players called up for Saturday's match at the Stade de France will wear a jersey with a novelty.
Against the Welsh, the Blues had sported a jersey with the names of 1,941 amateur clubs on the jersey numbers.
Against the Irish, they will carry their number of selections but also the name of their training club as well as the details of the match (meeting, date, stadium).
The Blues are gathered in Marcoussis all week to prepare for the match against Ireland on Saturday, a late match counting for the 5th day of the 2020 Six Nations Tournament initially scheduled for March 14.
Fabien Galthié and Raphaël Ibanez will announce on Thursday the list of 23 players summoned to face the XV du Trèfle.
© 2020 AFP