XV of France: from non-group to starter, what is the message sent by the staff to Paul Willemse ?

Paul Willemse était titulaire indiscutable durant les quatre premières années de Fabien Galthié. MAXPPP – MATTHIEU BOTTE

Le deuxième ligne montpelliérain Paul Willemse sera titulaire avec les Bleus contre l'Irlande ce vendredi, profitant notamment du forfait d'Emmanuel Meafou.

From out of group to regular, there is only one step. Paul Willemse showed it again. The Montpellier player will wear number 5 against Ireland this Friday, at the opening of the Tournament, even though he was not even in the 34 in mid-January. We said, then, that the chapter "Willemse en Bleu after the World Cup" was crossed out, close to the trash. And for several reasons.

First, the advent of two players. Emmanuel Meafou(25 years old), finally eligible for the French XV. The Toulouse mammoth (2.03m, 145 kg), best second straight line in the championship, is announced as the beam of the tricolor pack until the 2027 World Cup in Australia, his home country ;origin. 

Then, Tuilagi junior, Posolo (19 years old, 1.91m, 149 kg). The second line of Usap, winner of the VI Nations U20 Tournament last winter with the Bleuets, is increasingly asserting himself in the Top 14. Some even see him scratching a leaf this winter but the staff does not want to rush.

For these two, the sporting competition is proven for Willemse. Without forgetting Thibaud Flament, who can help out at number 5. But there is a more intriguing point. 

Status change

After the failure of the World Cup, Romain Taofifenua (33 years old, 49 caps) announces his international retirement. Finally, the Blues staff convinced him to extend the French adventure. Result: the Lyonnais is called up to the group of 34 to prepare for the match against Ireland. Not the Montpellier, although he has returned to a very good level at the club. A summons which sweeps away a possible pivotal age to access the XV of France.

Also read:RUGBY. As often, Paul becomes Willemse again a few weeks before the start of the Six Nations Tournament

But the choice is a challenge. Why bring a player out of retirement, certainly performing well, when another, who was a starter during the first four years of the Galthié era, is available ? The message sent to Willemse is strong.

The boy's status has therefore changed. Quite simply. Perhaps in the minds of the staff, Willemse was no longer at the level. That the rating of the great "Tao" was too high. "He is the best impact player in the world", even assured one of the coaches of the conquest William Servat last week. Just that.

"The fact that Paul is at international level is beyond doubt"

Finally, the Blues were overtaken by reality. Meafou injured his knee. Willemse continues the performances. Faced with the lack of resources in the real second straight, the staff reminds us of this. The player's background, experience and fitness work in his favor.

From number 3 or 4 in the hierarchy, the staff promotes him directly to number 1. "Meafou's injury gives Paul, who was a very important player for the France team, the opportunity to return. It took him a little time to get back to his level but if you look at his last three performances, there is no doubt that Paul is at international level", confided Servat.& nbsp; 

Paul Willemse is therefore there. He went to find this place on the field. And that's where the paradigm changed. Guaranteed to be THE number 5 between 2020 and 2023, its future in Blue is no longer so well defined. He will have to convince each of his outings so that we give him a chance the next match. The harsh law of the high level.

The XV of France lined up against Ireland:

Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Moefana – (o) Jalibert, (m) Lucu – Ollivon, Alldritt (cap), Cros – Willemse, Cros – Atonio, Mauvaka, Baille.

Substitutes: Marchand, Wardi, Aldegheri, R. Taofifenua, Woki, Boudehent, Le Garrec, Bielle-Biarrey.

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