The French XV faces New Zealand this Saturday (9:10 p.m. live on TF1, TF1+ and live commentary on TF1info), for a “remake” of the opening match of the 2023 World Cup.
Fabien Galthié decided to make several changes compared to the team which largely beat Japan (52-12).
Discover the composition of the Blues.
An air of reunion. One year after their clash at the opening of the 2023 World Cup, marked by a victory for the Blues (27-13) (new window)the XV of France and New Zealand meet this Saturday (9:10 p.m. live on TF1, TF1+ (new window) and live commentary on TF1info), still at the Stade de France, as part of the Autumn Nations Series. As against Japan (52-12), last week, coach Fabien Galthié (new window) made several changes, some by choice, others forced by injuries. Here is the composition of the France team.
First for Buros, Fickou back
At the back, Romain Buros is established. The Union Bordeaux-Bègles player, who had already been called up to the France group in 2021 and 2022, will celebrate his first selection. He replaces Léo Barré, who does not appear on the match sheet, nor Matthieu Jalibert. The opener, starter at last year's World Cup, was not included in the group, a week after having already been relegated to the bench.
Another notable element: Gaël Fickou returns to the starting lineup. The most capped player of the current Blues (91 caps) was put on the bench for the first time since 2019 against Japan, for the benefit of the Moefana-Gailleton pair. It is the latter who bears the cost of his return.
The other changes are notably linked to injuries. Winger Théo Attissogbe, injured in his left knee, left the Blues. The usual starter on the wing, Damian Penaud, will not return against New Zealand, being still ill. It is the Toulonnais Gabin Villière who compensates for these absences. The unavailability of third row François Cros allows Paul Boudehent, replacement and author of two tries against Japan, to become a starter and bring Charles Ollivon back to the bench.
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The composition of the French XV against New Zealand : Buros – Villière, Fickou, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Dupont (capitaine) – Alldritt, Roumat, Boudehent – Meafou, Flament – Tatafu, Mauvaka, Gros.
Substitutes : Marchand, Wardi, Colombe, R. Taofinenua, Guillard, Ollivon, Le Garrec, Gailleton.
Follow the match between France and New Zealand on Saturday November 16 at 9:10 p.m. live on TF1, TF1+ and live commentary with videos of the best moments of the match on TF1info.
