"Damian Penaud and Romain Taofifenua will not be traveling following positive tests this morning. We had been rather spared until then but that's how it is. We have the resources to face Wales", explained Fabien Galthié at a press conference in Marcoussis.

The coach has not ruled out that other players will test positive by Friday night's match in Cardiff: "We are preparing for it: we are awaiting information from the Six Nations Committee to find out if and when we will be retested. ".

The two players learned the news "this morning while they were packing their bags: it's psychologically violent. But we have to continue, the guys who are returning are ready", added Galthié.

The coach also gave reassuring news from scrum-half and captain Antoine Dupont, hit in the left arm during high-intensity training on Tuesday in Marcoussis, assuring that he was "very well".

Already placed on the wing against Scotland, Yoram Moefana, who therefore replaces Damian Penaud at short notice, will experience his second tenure in a row in a position that is not his in the club.

On the left, Villière is making his comeback after missing the trip to Murrayfield due to a facial injury.

The Toulonnais (26, 10 caps) had scored a hat-trick against Italy (37-10), before delivering an XXL performance, especially in defense, against Ireland (30-24).

Recovered from his injury, this atypical winger, with devastating races, recognizable on the ground by his red helmet, had confided Monday after training in Marcoussis "having done everything to come back".

On the bench, two changes: the returns of Montpellier pillar Mohamed Haouas (27, 13 caps) and Toulouse winger Matthis Lebel (22, 1 cap).

These Blues generation Galthié remain on two victories against the Welsh in the Tournament: two years ago in Cardiff (23-27) and last year at the Stade de France (32-30).

Wales, defending champion, is in 5th place in the standings, with five points (one win, two losses).

Composition of the XV of France:

Jaminet - Moefana, Fickou, Danty, Villière - (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap.) - Jelonch, Alldritt, Cros - Willemse, Woki - Atonio, Marchand, Baille

Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Haouas, Flament, Cretin, Lucu, Ramos, Lebel.

Additional players: Bamba, Falatea, Barlot, Couilloud, Hastoy

© 2022 AFP