Moefana, Vincent, Penaud? Who will replace Jo Danty against the Blacks if his thigh injury does not evolve sufficiently? We try to see more clearly.
WORLD CUP. Jonathan Danty forfeits with the XV of France to challenge the All BlacksThe news therefore fell on Wednesday afternoon. Hit in the hamstrings, Jonathan Danty could be forfeited on September 8 against the All Blacks. Which would be a huge blow for the Blues, who had just seen their number 12 from La Rochelle be voted man of the match after the match against Australia. Very hard hitting, legged and demonic in ruck areasthe thirty-year-old had once again shown that he was in the shape of his life.
Yoram Moefana, the most regular option since 2022
Therefore, if his package were to be confirmed, who to replace him in the center of the attack of the XV of France? Here, the choice is not necessarily obvious. Among the options available to Fabien Galthié, emerges naturally that of Yoram Moefana. The coach has, in the last 18 months, always used the Bordelais when a first choice was missing. Evidenced by his 18 selections under the Galthié era, whether in the center or on the wing. During the first 3 games of the last Tournament, when Danty was absent, he was also the holder in number 12.
WORLD CUP. Rucks, taking the midfield… What could Danty’s absence change against the Blacks?
With a not entirely satisfactory success, especially during big matches, such as against Ireland, where some of his shortcomings were highlighted. Still, Sipili Falatea’s nephew remains a solid and rough option in first center (1m82 for 96kg), and that it is not for nothing that he started eight meetings in this position in the blue jersey over the last three years. Especially since after intensive physical preparation, he seemed to have regained all his punch, in August, against Scotland and Fiji…
Arthur Vincent, comprehensive insurance?
What about Arthur Vincent? If the Montpellier player has not even played 10 games over the last 24 months, the credit given to him by Fabien Galthié has never changed. The two men forged a special relationship and the presence of Mauguio’s child in the list of 33 is proof of strong confidence, given the context and the competition, on the part of the French coach. This is how for usthe U20 world champion represents the option most likely to be chosen by the staff of the Bluesin the event of withdrawal from Jo Danty.
XV of France. Arthur Vincent, stainless rating with the staff of the Blues
Let’s explain: beyond the argument of value mentioned above, it is the confidence in Vincent that Galette and his friends have that can tip the scales in his favor. It must be said that the Cistus is part of this caliber of players always at 14/20. Rarely brilliant, but never disappointing. A form of all-risk insurance, in a way. And if his state of form and his automatisms could worry after 2 injuries to the crusaders in quick succession, the young man with 16 selections reassured during his tenure against Fiji, in Nantes. Enterprising in attack, he especially showed, as usual, a lot of appetite and reliability in defense, despite a solid opposition. Arthur Vincent in the text, what! The only change to be expected if the Montpellier player was chosen to start against the Barrett / Ioane pair: it is probably Gaël Fickou who would slip into number 12, and Vincent who would occupy number 13. Unless… The latter having started, in the jersey tricolor, almost as many meetings in the first center (5) as in second (6). Permanent and natural interchangeability with Fickou which could also work in his favor on September 8.
Damian Penaud, like when he started
Let it be said, on paper, the possibility of aligning Damian Penaud in number 13 would probably be attractive for all coaches, offensively at least. He also had, as we recall, his first five blue caps in this position. But since then, the neo-Bordeaux has established himself as one of the very best wingers in the world. It’s simple, in his lane, he is unstoppable, and he proved it again during the preparation matches where he scored three tries in two games. He who remains, too, on 19 tries scored on his last 20 selections, on the wing.
VIDEO. XV of France. Dupont offers a caviar to Penaud after a festival of Danty, Jalibert and Fickou
Therefore, and despite the prowess of Louis Bielle-Biarrey during this preparation for the World Cup, there is very little chance of seeing Penaud desert his right lane during the opening match against the New Zealanders. And this even if his duel against Rieko Ioane would make the whole planet salivate. On the other hand, a repositioning during the match in this position has often been done in the blue jersey, and remains an option on which the tricolor staff relies, in the event of a forced readjustment of the 3/4 line.
RUGBY. WORLD CUP. XV of France. How many changes between the compositions of 2021 and 2023 against the All Blacks?
