XV of France: notable absences, expected returns, major surprises... What should we expect from Galthié's list?

It is in the position of number 1 team in the northern hemisphere that the French XV will attack the second part of the Nations Championship against Fiji (November 7), South Africa (November 13) and Argentina (November 21), before playing a classification match the following weekend at Twickenham. With which players? It is on Wednesday that Fabien Galthié will unveil his group of 42 players, who will have to play one last day of Top 14 before returning to Marcoussis.

A worrying cascade of injuries

In September, Fabien Galthié said on Canal +: “Sometimes, I have the impression of making a French team of survivors…” We understand this as the list of absent executive players continues to grow. Matthieu Jalibert (thigh), Nolann Le Garrec (knee), Pierre-Louis Barassi (ankle), Emmanuel Meafou (knee) and Thibaud Flament (shoulder) were already out. And new names - and not the least - were added to the list this Tuesday: Thomas Ramos (thigh), Lenni Nouchi (hamstring, package for the first two matches) and pillar Demba Bamba (thigh). The French staff will have to recompose their team. Coerced and forced.

The starters certain, the failed ones recalled?

If the packages multiply, Fabien Galthié will nevertheless be able to count on several of his executives, starting with his hinge Antoine Dupont-Romain Ntamack, particularly in form at the start of the season. Other executives who should logically hold their place: hooker Peato Mauvaka, third lines François Cros and Anthony Jelonch, versatile Charles Ollivon (second or third line) and center Yoram Moefana. So many essential and experienced elements to start this Nations Championship.

Back at his best, left pillar Cyril Baille could make his return to Marcoussis, as could versatile Cameron Woki (second or third row). At 36, Romain Taofifenua could also find his way back to the CNR. But one of the big questions on the upcoming list will concern the return (or not) of Grégory Alldritt, Gaël Fickou and Damian Penaud. Three executives who had been sidelined this year, both during the Tournament and the summer tour, but who could take advantage of the current massacre to have another chance.

Revelations that will be remembered

They revealed themselves in 2025 and are expected to be summoned again. Several young people have blossomed at a very high level in recent months: third-row Marko Gazzotti, center Fabien Brau-Boirie and versatile three-quarterback Kalvin Gourgues. The latter named brought an obvious breath of fresh air to the three-quarter line, and Gazzotti could benefit from Alldritt's up-and-down performance. These young people did not tremble for their international debut and scored points in the minds of the staff. “We can clearly see that there is emulation. Pretty much, they are all tied on the number of score sheets. There are players coming out now,” Fabien Galthié recently confirmed. Strong second-row Tom Staniforth - who made his international debut during the summer matches - could also be recalled.