The composition of the France team, which will face New Zealand at the Stade de France (this Saturday, November 16 at 9:10 p.m.), has been revealed.
Compared to the last match won against Japan last Saturday (52-12), Fabien Galthié made four changes in his starting XV for the clash against the All Blacks this Saturday (9:10 p.m.).
Some are forced because of the withdrawals at the start of the week of third row François Cros (concussion), and wingers Damian Penaud (illness) and Théo Attissogbé (knee). So it’s Rochelais Paul Boudehent (12 sel., 2 tries) which will begin in 6, when the Toulonnais Gabin Villière (16 selections, 7 tries) will wear the French XV jersey for the first time since September 14, 2023 and a World Cup match against Uruguay (27-12 victory).
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For the rest, it should be noted the tenure at the center of the Racingman Gaël Fickou (91 selections, 17 tries), who will be associated with Yoram Moefana. Emilien Gailleton, starter in 13 against Japan, slides onto the bench.
Finally, the main information is the first selection of Bordeaux Romain Buros. The full-back, who is one of the best 15 in the Top 14, will finally have the opportunity to express himself at the highest level. Author of 31 tries in 131 matches with UBB, the native Béarnais was in demand by the main followers of the championship. His tenure pushes Léo Barré out of the group, but also his teammate Matthieu Jalibert, who no longer seems to have the confidence of the Blues staff.
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Note that the bench will this time be composed in 6-2. What propels the returns of the second row racingman Romain Taofifenua (52 sel.) and the Toulon third row Charles Ollivon (44 caps), who has not been a substitute with the Blues since February 25, 2017 and a Tournament match in Ireland (19-9 defeat). The racing scrum half Nolann Le Garrec (5 sel.) returns from injury.
The composition of the XV of France: 15. Romain Buros – 14. Gabin Villière, 13. Gaël Fickou, 12. Yoram Moefana, 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – (o) 10. Thomas Ramos, (m) 9. Antoine Dupont (cap.) – 7. Alexandre Roumat, 8. Grégory Alldritt, 6. Paul Boudehent – 5. Emmanuel Meafou, 4. Thibaud Flament – 3. Tevita Tatafu, 2. Peato Mauvaka, 1. Jean-Baptiste Gros.
Substitutes: 16. Julien Marchand, 17. Reda Wardi, 18. Georges-Henri Colombe, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Mickaël Guillard, 21. Charles Ollivon, 22. Nolann Le Garrec, 23. Emilien Gailleton.
