Matthieu Jalibert is strongly expected to start in the absence of Romain Ntamack. Geoffrey van der Hasselt / AFP
This Tuesday’s training session in Gabridan indicates that the coach will line up his executives at the Stade de France on Sunday for the last warm-up before the World Cup.
The traditional Tuesday training with the Pips provided the trends for the Blues’ fourth and final World Cup warm-up match against Australia on Sunday (5:45pm) at the Stade de France. Fabian Calthie has made up his mind: he is finally sticking to his starting schedule and lining up 12 days before the opening match against his regular side, the All Blacks.
The most anticipated answer was, “Who replaces Romain Ndamak at the start, touches his knee and misses the match?” This is Mathieu Jalibert, who will form the keel with captain Antoine Dupont.
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The Paul Willems-Thibaut Flament team has the support of the staff in the second line. Toulon pillar Jean-Baptiste Gros should start in place of Cyril Bale, who has been unavailable for weeks, while Reda Vardy will probably be rested, while Lyonnais Sebastien Daofifenoua, a last-minute reinforcement, takes place on the bench.
No wonder behind. In the centre, Gael Fico and Jonathan Dandy should form the pairing, as will Damien Benaud and Kevin Villiers. Thomas Ramos will form the back. This Wednesday’s high-intensity training at Gabridan in the middle of a heatwave should confirm this premium combination.
Possible starting XV against Australia
Ramos – Benat, Dandy, Ficove, Villiers – Jalibert – Dupont (cap) – Olivonne, Aldrid, Gros – Willems, Flament – Adonio, Marchant, Gros
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