The threat of typhoon that weighed on the match France – United of Wednesday, October 2, was lifted and the meeting will take place as planned in Fukuoka, said Monday the organizers of the Rugby World Cup in Japan. "The decision was made after consultation with our weather experts and the Japanese Meteorological Agency, which confirms that the Mitag typhoon is decreasing in intensity, and is moving further west of the Japanese coast and as a result will not impact on the match »said the organizers.
The match will give rise to a broad review of the French side: France coach Jacques Brunel announced Monday he made twelve changes in the starting XV for the second match, against the United States, where the Captain will be, for the first time, Louis Picamoles. With two games in four days (Tonga, 6 October), and even three in ten (England, 12), a major rotation was expected. The management has apparently wanted to preserve, facing the weakest opponent of the hen on the paper, his forces in view of the rough fight expected against the Tongan.
"We tried to balance on both sides, to make everyone play", said Brunel to the press in Kumamoto, who " a little " also take into account the characteristics of Americans, "Athletic but less powerful than Tonga". "There are a lot of changes, but without it being there anyway because seventeen players were on the scoresheet last weekend (23-21 against Argentina). Even if they were not all holders. There are only six new ones. "
The six new ones are, among the holders, the right pillar Emerick Setiano (first tenure), the second-line Paul Gabrillagues, the third-line Yacouba Camara, the center Sofiane Guitoune and winger Alivereti Raka. And, among the substitutes, Baptiste Serin.