Leaked France training video shows Galthie favourite to start after long lay-off
Fabien Galthie looks set to select Toulon’s Gabin Villiere in his starting XV against Italy this Sunday in the opening round of the Six Nations, despite the winger only returning to action at the weekend.
The 27-year-old had been out since November with a broken leg, having only just returned then from an ankle injury sustained at the back end of the 2021/22 season. That means he has played very little rugby since last year’s Six Nations and no international rugby at all.
But videos of the team training this week show Villiere donning a vest with the No11 on it in preparation of Les Bleus’ trip to Rome on Sunday. That of course does not guarantee he will start, but the other players donning starting numbers are all regulars under Galthie.
Given the strength in depth France have in almost every position it is maybe surprising that Villiere has been rushed back after so long out, but it shows how highly he is rated by his coach.
Les Bleus s’envoient fort à 4 jours de #ITAFRA @acturugby pic.twitter.com/U7ujUC0qHi
— Simon Galinier (@simongali) February 1, 2023
