the first list of 42 players called to prepare for the World Cup with the XV of France known

This is the beginning of the path that should lead the French rugby team to the World Cup, which it will play at home from September 8. The coach, Fabien Galthié, unveiled on Wednesday June 21 an initial list of 42 players summoned to begin this preparation, from July 2, in Monaco.

This list will be refined over the returns from injuries of certain players, who are not currently on the list, and the various training courses planned. The final World Cup roster, which will feature 33 players, will be announced on August 21.

This first list, which does not include any notable surprises, is a continuation of the choices made by the coach since his arrival at the helm of the XV of France, at the end of 2019. There are several categories:

The people of Toulouse

Just crowned with the glory of their 22^e title of champion of France, a contingent of Toulouse residents will join Marcoussis. For many seasons, the Pink City club has been the leading provider of the XV of France and constitutes the backbone of its “typical” team. Starting with the hinge, so important, that form and . But also a good part of the first line, (left pillar) and (hooker), among the best in the world in their position. Or the second line, revelation of the last Six Nations Tournament, the third line or the back

The unavoidable

Whether they were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Top 14, like the center of Racing 92, or defeated in the final like the third center line, the right pillar and the center, all three from La Rochelle; these players are among the first names that Fabien Galthié and his staff write down to form the starting XV.

Players who did not participate in the final stages of the Top 14 are also among the expected starters, on September 8 during the opening match against New Zealand: , the Clermont winger leaving for Bordeaux, or , the third line of the Toulon Rugby club. For lack of certainty on the wing, it is not surprising to see the Lyonnais, holder in the five games of the last Tournament, appear on the list.

“Finishing” stainless steels

A certain number of players should not, except surprise or exception, be holders of entry. But they will be called upon to make important replacements – as “finishers”, as the official name for the Blues dictates –, or even to take a starting place in the event of injury or in the last group matches, where the stake will be, if all goes well for the Blues, less important. Like the Toulouse hooker, accustomed to thunderous replacements, the Bordelais (scrum half), official understudy of Antoine Dupont, or (opening half, Bordeaux), essential replacement for Romain Ntamack.

The powerful (second line, Lyon) could play a starting role if Toulouse-born Australian Emmanuel Meafou – injured in the final – cannot be selected with the Blues and if does not find his form of 2022. (pillar , Toulouse) rose this season within the hierarchy of the right pillars, thanks to his performances, but also the disqualification of Mohamed Haouas, convicted of violence and dismissed from the XV of France.

(center, Bordeaux), (third row, Stade Français), (prop, Toulon), (hooker, La Rochelle) and (prop, La Rochelle) are also among the “luxury” finishers present in this group.

Those who play big

Some players are under pressure before this first rally. They were potential, even indisputable holders, but have regressed somewhat in the choices of Fabien Galthié. We can think of the Toulouse back, and the second line, very successful in 2022, but author of a more complicated season with his new club, Racing 92.

, Lyon’s scrum-half, will be in direct competition with Baptiste Serin for the third scrum-half spot in the list of 33. (third row, Lyon) will face intense competition for his position. As for the future of (opening half, La Rochelle), it will undoubtedly depend on the distribution of the number of three-quarters and forwards retained in the list of 33 players for the month of August.

Ghosts

(center, Montpellier) and (winger, Toulon) are coming back from long injuries and retain a lot of credit in the eyes of Fabien Galthié.

Among the players who haven’t seen the XV of France for some time, (prop, Lyon), (full-back, La Rochelle), (scrum-half, Toulon) are making a comeback – the last two having had a very good end of the season.

Novices

Four promising players without selection at the moment have been named in this list: , the top scorer of the Top 14 season (center, Pau), (winger, Bordeaux), (third line, La Rochelle) and (pillar, outgoing d’Oyonnax, in the second division, for Racing 92).

Linings

They will not see, except surprise, the World Cup. But they are among those who will play a crucial role in the preparation, in particular by allowing the staff of the XV of France to simulate opposition with complete teams. And their presence in the list attests to their proximity to the required level. So, if there is an injury or an unexpected malform, they can play their card. These are (second line, Montpellier), (third line, La Rochelle) and (second line, Montpellier).

The wounded

Several players, including some essential in the eyes of the coach, are currently on the flank, but should, if their recovery takes place in time, make their way to the final list. This is in particular the third line of the Toulouse Stadium (seriously injured during the Six Nations Tournament, but whose recovery is going well) or the Bordeaux right pillar, hit in the knee during the semi-final of the Top 14.

Finally, there remains the case of. The Toulouse colossus was injured in the final, and will be out for six to eight weeks. To this physical uncertainty is added another. On paper, the player of Australian origin will only be eligible for the XV of France from November, but the management of the Blues hopes to take advantage of case law from the world rugby body. The latter’s response should be forthcoming.