France's Rugby Team Faces Setback as Nicolas Depoortère Sidelined Ahead of Six Nations Matches

Nicolas Depoortère, a key player for France's national rugby team, will miss the upcoming Six Nations matches against Wales and Italy due to a right calf injury he sustained during the recent 36-14 victory over Ireland. The injury, which occurred while Depoortère was starting against Ireland, has forced him off the pitch for at least three weeks. He did not participate in the team's Tuesday morning training session and was seen with a bandaged calf, prompting his return to Bordeaux for recovery.

Coach Fabien Galthié now faces the challenge of adjusting his squad without Depoortère, with potential replacements including Émilien Gailleton, who has been called up eleven times previously to the national team, and Fabien Brau-Boirie. Compounding the team's selection difficulties is the uncertain status of Yoram Moefana for France's next fixture.

France is gearing up to face Wales on February 15 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The Welsh team is currently struggling, having suffered their 12th consecutive Six Nations defeat. The game is set for a 16:10 kickoff and will be broadcast live on TF1, with commentary available on Figaro Sport. Despite Wales’ poor form, France will need to strategize carefully given their injury concerns.

Following the Wales match, France will face Italy on February 22, a game also affected by Depoortère’s absence. The French squad will rely on their depth and adaptability to contend with these challenges as they aim to maintain momentum from their opening win.

Coach Galthié’s decisions and the performance of potential substitutes like Gailleton and Brau-Boirie will be pivotal in navigating these upcoming fixtures under constrained conditions.