The cow is thin and we will be satisfied. Several ASM Clermont players were called up to the Autumn Nations Cup, but France XV coach Fabian Galtic kept Damien Penard out of the 37 players who had gathered to prepare for the tournament this time around. Of six nations.

Clarmont Winger, who was sidelined for weeks due to a left ankle injury in early October, had to give up international games. Penad has been gaining strength since returning to competition with ASM, so he is logically part of Fabian Galti’s wide selection. This does not apply to Sebastian Bassi, Oliveri Racca, or Jean-Pascal Barack.

Although the Overgrown Club has traditionally been a big partner at the international level, you can comfort yourself by saying that they will be available as much as possible to achieve the number one goal of the season: to qualify for the final stage of the top 14. The Champions Cup is now put in health brackets.

Within the confines of a remarkable but unavoidable absence, Romain Natamak, the Tall Loose opener and incumbent, is the victim of a jaw fracture. If the health background allows, the French team will start the tournament in Italy on February 6 before playing in Ireland next weekend.

Blues calendar

• Day 1: Italy – France, February 6 (3.15pm)
• Day 2: Ireland – France February 14 (4pm)
• Match Day 3: France – Scotland, February 28 (4pm)
• Match Day 4: England – France, March 13 (5.45pm)
• Match Day 5: France – Wales, March 20 (9:00 pm)