Les Bleus rally around boss Galthie
|Published
Supportive: Gael Fickou, left. Pictures: Jane Barlow
The fallout of France’s swak start to the Six Nations, including an opening round klap to Ireland and a draw with Italy, overshadows Les Bleus’ build-up to Sunday’s 5pm trip to Wales.
Head coach Fabien Galthie is being urged to hand new faces a chance with their title hopes all but over, yet it’s something the ex-scrumhalf has repeatedly decided against doing.
And France centre Gael Fickou backed his coach, saying: “Despite the difficulty, the pressure from the press, from everyone, he never gives up on his players. He’s totally behind us and we're totally behind him.”
🇮🇹 v 🏴
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 7, 2024
🏴 v ☘️
🏴 v 🇫🇷#Breitling #SquadOnAMission @Breitling pic.twitter.com/FlNUkmBu2r
Meanwhile, on the eve of the Italy and Scotland clash, former Stormers centre Huw Jones says he was “tempted” by a move to France before deciding to continue his club rugby career with Glasgow.
Jones, who will be without midfield partner Sione Tuipulotu (knee) against Italy tomorrow at 4.15pm, adds: “It would be a shame to pass up what’s happening at Glasgow at the moment.”
🏴 Your Scotland team to face Italy in Rome! 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/Qlkm6HG5aF
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 7, 2024
Six Nations fixtures:
Saturday: Italy vs Scotland (4.15pm), England vs Ireland (6.45pm). Sunday: Wales vs France (5pm).