Galthié draws his “premium team”, despite injuries and misshapen

It wasn’t a bluff. Dressed in a titular chasuble on Wednesday in training, Toulouse’s Romain Ntamack and Cyril Baille will start the first test match of the fall of the XV of France against Australia on Saturday at the Stade de France. The opener has not played since September 11 and a sprained ankle, while the left prop has only compiled 34 minutes this season, Saturday in Bayonne (26-22), after an adductor operation in August ? Regardless, they are ready and have shown guarantees in this sense to the management, according to Fabien Galthié.

“There is a risk for Cyril Baille as for other players, dropped the coach of the Blues this Thursday, after the announcement of the 23 called up to challenge the Wallabies. It is a sport of combat, endurance, speed of skill which requires a lot of skills. »

For the rest, Thibaud Flament replaces as planned in the 2nd line Paul Willemse, hit in the thigh and who should also miss the following clashes against South Africa and Japan. Cameron Woki will be at his side, despite a mediocre start to the season from the former Bordelo-Béglais with his new club Racing 92.

Thomas Ramos goalscorer

“Cameron is part of the premium team that made the Grand Slam and this team has 87% victories, recalls Galthié, who once again differentiated his typical training from the “development” team, like the one brought to the Japan. We must continue to progress, create emulation. But why constantly challenge the players under the pretext of a sluggish start? »

As for Thomas Ramos, used to eating crumbs with the XV of France, this time he will be his back and scorer, while his competitor and Toulouse teammate Melvyn Jaminet is injured.

The main surprise is nestled among the “finishers”, according to blue newspeak. Compared to Wednesday’s session in Marcoussis, winger Mathis Lebel (another Toulousain, there are also seven in the starting team and another on the bench) slips into the stands, to leave his place to the 2nd line of Lyon Kylian Geraci. The Swiss army knife of Stade Français Sekou Macalou covers both the 3rd line and winger positions against the Australian “cowboys”, according to the expression of a very inspired Galthié on Thursday.