XV of France – The composition of the Blues against New Zealand: first for Romain Buros, Gaël Fickou holder

Fabien Galthié has decided! For the second test match of the autumn tour, the coach of the XV of France communicated the list of 23 Blues who will challenge the All Blacks, Saturday evening at the Stade de France (9:10 p.m).

Unsurprisingly, Antoine Dupont is very present. The captain of the XV of France, slightly ill at the start of the week and preserved, will hold his place well against the men in black. He will form the hinge with his club partner Thomas Ramos. The usual number 15 is renewed at the opening, after the great collective performance of the Blues against Japan (52-12). As announced, Matthieu Jalibert is not in the 23. The opener was released and returned to Bordeaux.

4 changes compared to Japan

To prepare their team for the shock, the French staff had to deal with a certain number of withdrawals: Uini Atonio, François Cros, Damian Penaud and Théo Attissogbe were unable to apply. Therefore, on the front line, Jean-Baptiste Gros, author of a great performance against the Japanese, is renewed, accompanied by Mauvaka and Tatatu who will experience his 2nd selection. In the third line, the absence of Cros is compensated by the arrival in the fifteen of Paul Boudehent. The Rochelais also did well during the meeting against the Japanese. He will start alongside his club captain Grégory Alldritt, and Toulouse Alexandre Roumat.

In total, Fabien Galthié and his deputies made four changes to the starting fifteen compared to last weekend's big victory. Paul Boudehent replaces François Cros, therefore, Gabin Villière takes the place of Théo Attissogbe, injured in the knee, Romain Buros is preferred to Léo Barré at the back and Gaël Fickou makes his return to the starting fifteen to the detriment of Émilien Gailleton, on the bench. For the number 15 of the UBB, the duel against the Blacks will be the first great moment of his international career. At 27, the Landais is rewarded for his efforts and will have the opportunity to shine against one of the best teams in the world.

Return of Villière, Le Garrec, Ollivon and Taofifenua

In addition to the tenure of Romain Buros in place of Léo Barré, who leaves the 23, Fabien Galthié has chosen to place Gaël Fickou at the heart of the debates. Replacing against Japan, the Racingman with 90 caps with the rooster flocked jersey, will be associated in the center of the attack with Yoram Moefana, who continues. A decision which propels the young Pau to the bench, in an organization with six forwards and two three-quarters. Let's talk about these replacements, because there are notable returns. Charles Ollivon (44 caps) and Romain Taofifenua (51 caps), two crucial warriors from Fabien Galthié's first mandate, will be brought to finish the meeting to bring their experience. Among the backs, Nolann Le Garrec returns to his role as replacement scrum half and is ahead of Maxime Lucu in the hierarchy. Gailleton will cover the other positions in the event of an injury.