The Blues “Made in New Zealand” against Italy on Sunday

Just over two months after the historic success (40-25) over the New Zealanders at the Stade de France, thirteen of the fifteen holders for this match must find their place to start the tournament, on Sunday against Italy, the first stage on the way to an unprecedented Grand Slam tournament. Since 2010.

The uncertainty around the two stars, Antoine Dupont and Romain Netamack, affected by the Covid-19 virus, seems to have dissipated: the Toulouse joint must be 100% renewed, so effective since the beginning of the Galilean era, for the ninth time since the apocalypse 2019.

Too bad if half of the scrum and captain didn’t play between December 11 and last Saturday against Racing 92 in the top 14, affected by the pandemic and a knee injury. It’s hard to do without the best player in the world who, it seems, has shown great things in training this week.

When asked about ghosts, Gaël Fickou was also confident: “These are guys who have a lot of experience, who have played a lot in this shirt. They have a huge advantage. They are very professional guys, they are always at their best: there is no doubt that they can be at the same level as those who have been there for a week, even ten days “Racing Center 92 explained.

Jaminet is necessary

The back lines should also be identical to the lines that flipped New Zealand, with Perpignan Melvin Jaminette in the back or Clermontois Damien Benaud and Toulonette Gabin Villier on the wings.

Capitalizing on the poor level of Virimi Vakatawa, released to Racing 92 in midweek, Rochelais Jonathan Danty should also find his place in the middle, along with Fickou, the defense chief.

The main changes will concern the attackers, starting with the position of the bitch where Julian Marchand found the N.2 jersey, which was abandoned due to the injury of his teammate Beto Mofaka in the fall.

At his side, Mohamed Hawass, concerned about his burglary trial scheduled for today, should be replaced by Giant La Rochelle Oweni Atuneo, who is less mobile than Demba Bamba but brings more stability to Scrum.

Finally, it looks like Cameron Walkie is also ready to hold onto his unusual spot in the second row. UBB’s third streak shone against the All Blacks so much that he’s clearly convincing the Blues to keep him in the cage. Finally, the main surprise comes from the third line, where Lyonnais Dylan Cretin, one of the top 14 jumpers, should start. This will be his first spell in Blue since the Australian Tour. The captain of this summer tour, Anthony Gillonch has to line up alongside Gregory Aldrett.