Just eight days to go until the first big clash of the Six Nations between France and Ireland (Thursday 5 February). At training on Tuesday in Marcoussis, there were several things to be learnt about the possible team selection.

The first is that Charles Ollivon, Oscar Jegou, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Régis Montagne, Gaël Dréan and Lenni Nouchi did not train, having all been on the pitch in Top 14 on Sunday. The current injury list, namely Flament, Atonio, Boudehent and Ntamack, were not there either, as noted by Midi Olympique, L’Equipe and Le Figaro, all present at Marcoussis.

Guillard ahead of Meafou?

Wearing a starter’s bib, Matthieu Jalibert, on cloud nine this season, should form the half-back partnership with the immovable Antoine Dupont. The UBB man will also be able to count on his club team-mates Nicolas Depoortère and Yoram Moefana in the centre, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey on one wing. On the other, Théo Attissogbe should get his chance. Thomas Ramos will of course be at full-back.

It is up front that some doubts remain. In the back row, for instance, François Cros, long sidelined with Toulouse, should start. At 8, Jelonch could therefore replace Alldritt. At 6, on the other hand, Boudehent’s absence could benefit Jegou, Montpellier’s Nouchi or Ollivon.

Guillard, here in the centre of the picture, could start in the second row. Photo: Sandra Ruhaut – Icon Sport.

Ollivon, in fact, could also line up in the second row, as he did last autumn against Fiji and Australia. He could be paired with Lyon’s Mickaël Guillard, preferred to Emmanuel Meafou.

Up front, Montagne should hold the fort on the tighthead side, with Julien Marchand and Jean-Baptiste Gros alongside him. On the bench, nothing is settled. Gourgues, Serin and therefore Meafou could be there. The rest is to be sorted out quickly.