Last minute change in Fabien Galthié’s team. According to information from L’Équipe, which we are able to confirm, winger Damian Penaud is ill and is forced to leave his place. Starting on the right wing for this Saturday evening’s match in Japan, the Union Bordeaux-Bègles player is replaced by Théo Attissogbe, who will celebrate his third selection after having discovered the international level during the summer tour in Argentina.
Damian Penaud will therefore not beat Serge Blanco’s try record (38). Currently at 36 tries, the former Clermont player can hope to achieve this during this autumn tour. This package should, however, slow him down. His absence will allow the general public to discover Théo Attissogbe.
The Pau winger will be one of the attractions of the evening. While he will celebrate his 20th birthday on November 19, he is one of the biggest potentials in French rugby. He exploded last season with the Section Pau before confirming his talent during the two tests against Argentina in July.
On September 23, Attissogbe was elected revelation of the 2023-2024 season during Rugby Night, succeeding his Pau teammate Émilien Gailleton, who will start against Japan.