The Blues will start their campaign with thirteen of the fifteen winners of the All Blacks (40-25) in November, including a 100% Toulouse hinge formed by Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, who also tested positive during preparation.
UBB third row Cameron Woki starts in the second row, as against New Zealand, while Dylan Cretin is lined up alongside Anthony Jelonch and Gregory Alldritt.
The 2nd row of the French team Cameron Woki, captures a ball in touch against New Zealand, during their last test match of the Autumn Tour, November 20, 2021 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis FRANCK FIFE AFP/Archives
"I feel good, I had a few small symptoms on Wednesday. I went into isolation on Wednesday, we had been tested in the morning, I was negative. I had symptoms at the end of the day, I am went to see the doctor: I was tested again. I was in solitary confinement and yesterday (Thursday, editor's note), we had confirmation with a PCR test. We followed the protocol to the letter", confided Galthié at AFP.
“Wednesday, we announced the team to the players. Yesterday was a day off. Today, we are going back to Paris … But everything is set for Sunday's match: since I am isolated, I participate at all video or audio meetings. I watch the images of training, the staff takes over under the leadership of Raphaël Ibanez. Sunday, I will be remote with a telephone and a few brief exchanges, before, after, at halftime...", he added.
The France team launches the 2022 Tournament on Sunday, against Italy, which has not won a match in the competition since 2015.
Les Bleus dream of a first Grand Slam since 2010. Their Scottish, Irish, Italian, Welsh and English opponents have named them the big favorites of the Tournament, citing "world-class players", such as Antoine Dupont or Romain Ntamack, "great results", such as the epic victory against the All Blacks, or a favorable schedule, with three receptions including a probable "final" against England on the last day.
© 2022 AFP