It is also at the front that changes are likely to be made during the announcement of the list of twenty three Friday (11:00), to challenge the "Lelos" and their "pack" known for its power.

The association between Romain Ntamack, repositioned in the center, and Matthieu Jalibert, dubbed at the opening, should be renewed, even if it did not keep its promises last Saturday, against Argentina (victory 29- 20), a stronger opponent than Georgia.

Ntamack, usual N.10 of the Blues since the 2019 World Cup, came out frustrated before the hour mark, replaced by the Rochelais center Jonathan Danty, who brought his power in a different register.

"Romain is not sacrificed at all," however assured French rear coach Laurent Labit on Thursday in Marcoussis.

"He will have to be more efficient than what he was last weekend but these are things he has to adapt to, live it and relive it. It's a position he has a lot. occupied at the Toulouse Stadium, so it's nothing new and not a problem to have discussed it with him, "argued the technician.

"A challenge" for Alldritt

If the back lines should therefore not move, with in particular the back Melvyn Jaminet, designated man of the match against the Pumas (19 points), renewed as scorer, the pack of forwards, undermined by the roughness of Argentina at the Stade de France, is susceptible to alterations, according to the compositions lined up in training during the week.

The back of the Blues Malvyn Jaminet, tackled by the Argentinian Jeronimo De La Fuente, during the test match between France and the Pumas at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, November 6, 2021 FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives

First major change: the return to the fifteenth of Alldritt who had brought his strength against the Argentines in the last twenty-five minutes.

The neo-Toulousain Anthony Jelonch, promoted holder to the post of third center line, was supported by flankers Cameron Woki and François Cros.

Frustrated Alldritt?

No, to hear it: "there is good competition, the competition is very healthy and it's something that makes me feel good. It's a challenge," assured the Rochelais on Wednesday.

Macalou's versatility

In the third row, Jelonch could suddenly slip to the wing and the third position of the trident be entrusted to Parisian Sekou Macalou, who entered at the end of the match against the Pumas.

The versatility of the Stade Français player, able to also evolve in the position of three-quarter wing, pleases the management of the Blues, who can afford to have six forwards (for two pure backs) on the bench.

"Sekou is a player who expresses himself fully in the lanes. This is where he can be very effective. If he ever comes to the three-quarter line, his role would be exactly the same in our organization as when he did. 'he's playing in the third row,' explained Labit.

Stade Francais flanker Sekou Macalou scores a try during a Top 14 match against USAP at the Aimé-Giral stadium in Perpignan, October 16, 2021 RAYMOND ROIG AFP / Archives

In the second row, Galthié could however innovate, with a tandem made up of Romain Taofifenua, usually substitute, and Woki, whose touch skills are appreciated.

This is not the preferred position of the young UBB player, but "he can help out," said Karim Ghezal, co-coach of the forwards.

Such a duo in the "cage" would relegate to the bench Paul Willemse and Thibaud Flament, author of a test for his first selection last Saturday.

Finally, on the front line, the right pillar Mohamed Haouas could be spared for the benefit of Demba Bamba, in anticipation of the final test against New Zealand on November 20.

Probable composition of the XV of France against Georgia:

Jaminet - Penaud, Fickou, Ntamack, Villière - (o) Jalibert, (m) Dupont (cap.) - Macalou, Alldritt, Jelonch - Taofifenua, Woki - Bamba, Marchand, Baille

© 2021 AFP