Six Nations Tournament: XV France with Atonio and Taofifenua vs. Wales

Following a high-profile feat at Twickenham against England (10-53), XV France look to complete their Six Nations Tournament with apotheosis this Saturday (3:45 p.m.) against Wales at the Stade de France. Even if he no longer has a destiny to retain the title (Ireland will win the Grand Slam if they beat England on Saturday at 6pm). Against Leek XV, Fabien Galtier made two changes to his starting XV announced this Thursday in Marcoussis compared to the winner in London.

Right-winger Wini Atonio returns to his original position after a two-match suspension. He will replace Dorian Aldegueri, who suffers from pubic symphysis and adductors, said Fabien Galtier. “Weenie has been performing for two seasons,” the coach explained. He has experience, inner strength, which certainly makes him the best in the world at his post in grappling. It is an asset that makes it an undisputed holder. »

Second row Romain Taofifenua comes off the bench and will start the match in place of the injured Paul Willemse. “Romain is the second right-handed person in the second row of our hierarchy after Paul. He has always come back well, he has been with us for 4 years now and naturally won his place thanks to his performances,” the coach explained.

Otherwise, the heroes of Twickenham are all in place: Captain Antoine Dupont in a fight, again connected with Romain Ntamak on a hinge. The three-quarter line Dumortier-Danti-Fico-Peno and the third line Cross-Aldritt-Ollivon, all very good last Saturday, will be on the attack. Thomas Ramos too, who retains his defensive position and goalscorer role.

The only novelty on the bench: Montpellier Bastien Chaloureau arrives in group 23 in the second row position thanks to the departure of Willemse and the return of Taofifenua to the starting XV.

Beware of overconfidence

Fabien Galtier took the opportunity to warn his group of possible overconfidence after the Twickenham demonstration: “Yes, there is a risk. We must remember that Wales won the tournament just two years ago,” the coach warned.

Blues manager Rafael Ibanez was also cautious. “Of course, we are very proud and happy that we made this match in Twickenham for our fans. This coincidence matters or will be taken into account for the rest of our project. Isolate it and make it a historical game, perhaps for the general public and the media, but for us it’s part of the continuity. It should serve us for the future, it should inspire us. »

Against Wales, this will be the last match of the competition, which, moreover, will take place at the Stade de France before the start at the same venue of the World Cup on September 8 against New Zealand. “We are not planning anything other than Saturday’s match against Wales,” Fabien Galtier assured. We are still able to win the Tournament, even if our fate is no longer in our hands. We have to play on Saturday. On Sunday we will think about something else.