Fabien Galthie gives forthright verdict on France’s squad for three-Test series against All Blacks
France head coach Fabien Galthie.
France head coach Fabien Galthie has revealed that he has no choice but to select a second-choice squad for their upcoming three-Test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand in July.
France are set to take on England in a non-capped friendly at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday, and Galthie’s squad will exclude players involved in this weekend’s Top 14 semi-finals.
Toulouse will host Bayonne in the first semi-final on Friday before Bordeaux-Begles take on Toulon in the second play-off clash on Saturday.
Star player ruled out through injury
Les Bleus‘ regular skipper Antoine Dupont is also absent, after suffering a serious knee injury during a Six Nations encounter against Ireland in February.
“We don’t have a choice other than picking players who have finished their seasons,” Galthie told reporters. “It’s an opportunity for us to work with the best players available.
“There’s a decision at the end of the season with the freshness and availability of players.”
Bielle-Biarrey has been in excellent form this season, but he has played 29 games for club (Bordeaux) and country.
By comparison, All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett has only made 14 appearances for the Crusaders, who face the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final on Saturday.
‘They’re starting a period uniquely for the national team’
“They started their domestic season in February and are finishing it now,” said Galthie. “They’re starting a period uniquely for the national team.
“You have to be informative and try to explain the obligations which are linked to our season schedule.
“We have no other solution. I think it’s quite clear.
“Or the New Zealanders can help us to reinvent our domestic season’s schedule.
“It’s the particularities of each country.”
Galthie will add up to 12 players to France’s squad on Sunday, although that group will not include representatives from those clubs that have reached next weekend’s Top 14 final.
