Raphael Ibanez, Blues manager, assured players that they had "all to gain" by taking off for Asia. He was referring to the World Cup which will be held September 8th - October 28th 2023. One year prior, Melvyn Jaminet had emerged and Gabin Villiere, Anthony Jelonch, were confirmed by the Australian tour.
In an interview with AFP, the ex-captain explained that all 42 players have the opportunity to express themselves and be themselves. 16 of them didn't walk the pitch, so they weren't all able to have a quick bite.
"One can picture a kind of legitimate disappointment, even some frustration. It should be temporary, Ibanez stated. Galthie said, "In the team there are players who will join the France group,"
Pro D2 players - Matis Perchaud from Bayonne and Remy Baget and Thomas Laclayat from Oyonnax – but also hooker Christopher Tolofua from Toulon, second lines Remi Picquette and Swan Rebbadj from Toulon, third lines Matthias Haddad–Victor (La Rochelle and Swan Rebbadj) and Bastien Vergnes–Taillefer (Bordeaux–Begles), scrum half Nolann Le Garrec and Louis Le Brun (Castres), or even wingers and backs Aymeric Luc
These two last candidates, who were still eligible for a spot in the starting XV's starting XV, saw Max Spring, 21 and playing ten matches this season overtake them in hierarchy. This was after the Racingman made his first selection in the second test against Japan. There is still a place for Jaminet.
The hinge Matthieu Jalibert Maxime Lucu was one of the chosen. Neither the scrum-half nor the opener have shown that they are strong enough to challenge the Toulousains Antoine Dupont or Romain Ntamack, who are the traditional holders.
Matthis Lebel, Matthis' teammate from the Rouge et Noir scored his first two international tries. He proved that he was capable of entering the rotation on the wing behind Gabin Villiere and Damian Penaud. Thomas Jolmes was not as loud in the first match, but he was much more vocal inside.
Charles Ollivon, back in Blue has reclaimed his captain's title. He will have to get rid of the competition posed by the Jelonch-Alldritt-Cros trio to retain the captaincy, admirably replaced by Dupont for several months, Grand Slam at stake.
Peato Mauvaka was once more able to show that he could play behind Julien Marchand in the circle of satisfactions. The same story was told by Jean-Baptiste Gros of Toulonnais, in the right pillar position or scrum half Baptiste Couilloud. He was the author of a decisive exam and knew how to harness his energy by jumping from the bench.
Thibaud Flament, the second line, has also confirmed his assertion of his role. Karim Ghezal (in charge of the French touch) said that it has "taken a lot" of stature. He wasn't advertising at the club, but he is now. He had learned the Japanese game [...]. On the ball that Thomas Lavault stole, he had instructed the assistant coach.
UBB center Yoram Moeafana also confirmed the positive things that have been shown since winter 2020. Meanwhile, third line Stade Francais Sekou Macalou seems to be settled in his position...as a winger in Blues staff's minds. The dice have been rolled one year after the 2023 World Cup.
