France’s Six Nations Squad Shake-Up: Why Damian Penaud’s Omission is the Talk of the Town
Fabien Galthié’s France squad is starting to feel like a high-stakes drama series, where no player’s position is ever truly secure. Just when you think you’ve figured out the lineup, a surprise cut leaves fans scratching their heads. Gaël Fickou, a stalwart with nearly a century of caps? Grégory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont’s trusted sidekick? Or Damian Penaud, just months after becoming France’s all-time leading try-scorer? But here’s where it gets controversial: reports suggest all three are on the chopping block for the upcoming Six Nations squad. And this is the part most people miss—Penaud’s exclusion, in particular, has everyone talking.
Galthié’s unpredictability was on full display in the autumn when he benched Alldritt against the Springboks, only to hand him the captaincy in the following matches. Fickou, too, has seen his role fluctuate, stepping up as skipper when needed. Yet, Penaud’s potential axing feels like the biggest shock. It’s not entirely out of the blue—after all, he was dropped during last year’s Six Nations, unfairly labeled a scapegoat for the loss to England at Twickenham. But for a player who’s broken national records, this feels like a harsh fall from grace.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—Or Do They?
Penaud’s try-scoring prowess is undeniable. With 27 tries in 26 matches last season and 28 in 31 the season before, he’s been a try-scoring machine. Even this season, eight tries in 16 games would be impressive for most wings. But here’s the twist: his defensive lapses have become hard to ignore. Take Henry Pollock’s chip-and-chase try earlier this month—Penaud was caught out defensively, a moment that likely didn’t go unnoticed by Galthié. And in Bordeaux’s Champions Cup win against Northampton Saints, he seemed almost reluctant to score, opting to pass infield instead of crossing the line himself. Is this a sign of genius or complacency? That’s the question dividing fans.
Former teammate Nans Ducuing paints a fascinating picture of Penaud’s mindset: ‘He’s playing chess on his phone before matches, Birkenstocks on his feet. He doesn’t care about tactics, but when he steps onto the pitch, he transcends himself. He’s a genius.’ It’s this duality—brilliant yet detached—that makes his omission so intriguing.
The Rising Stars Threatening Penaud’s Throne
While Penaud’s star seems to be fading, others are shining brighter than ever. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, just 22, has already scored 20 tries in 22 international appearances and is halfway to matching Penaud’s record. Then there’s Théo Attissogbe, 21, whose return from injury has reignited talks of his potential. If Attissogbe had been fit earlier, Penaud might still be tied with Serge Blanco’s record. Is it time for France to bet on youth over experience?
At 29, Penaud isn’t past his prime, but the competition is fiercer than ever. Fickou, too, faces a similar challenge. Despite his wisdom and club form, he’s being overshadowed by exciting talents like Yoram Moefana, Nicolas Depoortère, and Kalvin Gourgues. Even Racing 92’s shift of Fickou to the wing hints at a changing of the guard.
The Bigger Picture: France’s Embarrassment of Riches
France’s talent pool is deeper than ever, thanks to a robust league system. Players like Tom Staniforth and Malachi Hawkes, both qualified through residency rules, are knocking on the door. Hawkes, in particular, stands out for his versatility, having played tight-head prop and even hooker. Up front, Mickaël Guillard, Anthony Jelonch, and François Cros are all vying for spots, while the scrum-half position is wide open due to injuries to Dupont’s usual deputies.
The Million-Dollar Question: Is Penaud’s Exclusion Justified?
Galthié’s decisions are bold, but are they fair? Penaud’s defensive weaknesses are clear, but his try-scoring ability is unmatched. Bielle-Biarrey and Attissogbe are the future, but is now the right time to sideline a proven record-breaker? What do you think? Is Penaud’s omission a tactical masterstroke or a mistake? Let us know in the comments!
