Théo Attissogbe France rugby Fiji, Digi Mart USA News (Pau, France): Section Paloise player Théo Attissogbe is expected to start at fullback for the France national team against Fiji on Saturday at 9:10 p.m., according to training indications reported by La République des Pyrénées.
Attissogbe, a winger by primary position who has 16 caps and 12 tries for France, has also played at fullback for Pau in the last five matches due to the injury of regular starter Jack Maddocks. He has also played there for France.
The absences of Thomas Ramos and Matthieu Jalibert, both injured, are expected to give him the No. 15 jersey. Attissogbe has a less organizing profile than either player, and France’s attack this year has relied on a fly-half and fullback who can swap roles depending on the phase of play.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the 21-year-old said he has experience within the France squad and believes the team’s system can adapt to each player’s qualities. “I have my own way of playing.
I may have a slightly different profile from Thomas Ramos or Matthieu Jalibert, but I also need to be able to ease Romain (Ntamack) in running the game at certain moments. That is an important aspect for me.”
France attack coach Patrick Arlettaz also expressed confidence on Tuesday, saying Attissogbe is “an intelligent boy, a little more hybrid,” and capable of providing a second distributor after ruck phases. He said the player would bring his own qualities as a more active organizer and that players should be free to express their characteristics within the system.
Head coach Fabien Galthié acknowledged at the start of the camp that the absences of Ramos and Jalibert “can impact our rugby somewhat.” He said the team must adapt and find the right solutions to remain effective, calling it a challenge the squad will approach with enthusiasm.
