Fabien Galthié has just unveiled the list of 34 French players who will take part in the 2024 VI Nations Tournament. Three months after the failure of the World Cup, the French national team wants to turn the page once and for all, and has just one goal in mind: to win again.
Let's take a look at the players who could be celebrating their 1st cap for France.
Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92, 21):
With Antoine Dupont preparing for the Olympic Games with the French 7 team, Nolann Le Garrec is likely to make his 1st appearance for the Blues. Having made an excellent start to the season with the Racing 92, the 21-year-old scrum-half has already scored 6 tries in Top 14 this year. He will have the opportunity to show the whole rugby world his talent the international level.
Nicolas Depoortère (Union Bordeaux-Bègles, 21):
World champion with the under 20s in 2023 and top scorer in the competition with 5 tries, Depoortère is the new star of French rugby. At just 21, the Bordeaux-born player has been a key figure in his team this season. Behind Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou in the pecking order, will the 1.93m centre make his first appearance for the French national team? Possibly this season.
Emmanuel Meafou (Stade Toulousain, 25):
Naturalised French last November, the Toulouse second row is Australian born but has the measurement of an American fridge: 2.03 metres for 145 kilos! Barring injury, Meafou will play his first match for the French team in this 6 Nations Tournament. The scorer of 12 tries last season with his club the Stade Toulousain, he could already be the spearhead of Fabien Galthié's front eight.
Esteban Abadie (RC Toulon, 26):
His latest performances with RCT were so convincing that Fabien Galthié couldn't ignore them. The third row jumps, runs and tackles, often better than the others. The leader of Toulon's defence seems to have gone one step further on the Rade. The next step? Doing it in a shirt with the roster on it !
Antoine Gibert (Racing 92, 26):
Consistent with the Racing since the departure of Finn Russell, the Frenchman has assumed his role a leader. Versatile facilitator, the Frenchman is capable of playing scrum or fly half. This is probably one of the reasons, in addition to his talent, that convinced the Tricolor staff to take him on board.
Matthias Halagahu (RC Toulon, 22):
This is THE surprise of the list for the first match of the Tournament. Toulon's second row was preferred to Paul Willemse. It's a strong choice, and one that speaks a lot about the hopes around the future of the player. This season, he has played 14 matches, starting 10 of them.
