Hard blow for the XV of France: Jelonch and Meafou withdraw from the 6 Nations Tournament, Willemse called ?

Anthony Jelonch ne participera pas au Tournoi des Six Nations avec les Bleus. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The third Anthony Jelonch, one of the executives of the French XV, is forced to withdraw from the 6 Nations Tournament due to a knee injury. Giant Emmanuel Meafou is also unfit for the first match against Ireland.

No 6 Nations Tournament for Anthony Jelonch. The Toulouse third row (27 years old, 30 caps) injured his knee with his club this weekend, during Stade's victory in Bath (19-31) in the Champions Cup. He is replaced by his club teammate, Alexandre Roumat (26 years old, 0 selection), announces the French Rugby Federation.

The cruciate ligament in the left knee is ruptured for Jelonch. At the beginning of March 2023, he had already had surgery for a ruptured cruciate ligament on his right knee. He had launched a time trial to compete in the World Cup. His objective was successful. Four months later, the other knee gave way.

Also read: CASE. Can Anthony Jelonch recover from his cruciate knee ligament injury in time to play in the World Cup ?

Also read: CASE. Anthony Jelonch aims for the World Cup: "We are sure of something exceptional", says surgeon Florent Buscayret

A chance for Tuilagi or Willemse ?

Another blow for the Blues, the injury to its new beam: Emmanuel Meafou. The colossus of Stade Toulousain (25 years old, 2.03m, 140 kg) also injured his knee. Additional information on the severity of his injury will be announced in the coming days. He is already out of the opening match against Ireland on Friday February 2 next (9 p.m.)) Marseille.

Of Australian origin, Meafou has been naturalized French for several months and the Blues staff have often implied that they are counting on him for the next international events.< /p>

This package from Meafou can re-open the door of the XV of France to Montpellier's Paul Willemse (31 years old, 31 selections), performing well with the MHR for several weeks. Unless Fabien Galthié relies on the youth and the promising player of Usap Posolo Tuilagi (1.91m, 149 kg), winner of the Tournament of the Six Nations U20 with the Bleuets last year.