Four changes and a new executive ousted. Fabien Galthié revealed this Wednesday the composition of the French XV for the last test match of the autumn tour against Argentina, this Friday at 9:10 p.m. at the Stade de France. After Charles Ollivon and Gaël Fickou, respectively out of the group and on the bench against Japan, then Matthieu Jalibert, absent against the Blacks and again against the Pumas, another captain is excluded. As expected during the last training sessions, Grégory Alldritt, Galthié's main man, does not appear on the match sheet.
Gazzotti will celebrate his first selection
The Toulouse player paid for lackluster performances during the first two tests but also the return of François Cros, who was withdrawn against New Zealand due to a concussion. Replacing against the Blacks, Charles Ollivon will take his place at No. 8 surrounded by François Cros and Paul Boudehent. Olivier Roumat, who started last week, sits on the bench. He will be alongside a new kid, Marko Gazzotti (20 years old, Union Bordeaux-Bègles) who should celebrate his first selection by coming into play.
Another change was made to the starting lineup. Pillar Uini Atonio (34 years old, 62 caps) returns eight months after his last appearance for the Blues to replace Bayonnais Tevita Tatafu, injured in his left ankle and quadriceps against the New Zealanders.
For the rest, the staff has decided to maintain its confidence in a very large majority of the team which beat the vice-world champions New Zealand last week. Full-back Léo Barré replaces Romain Buros as the starting full-back of the team led by captain Antoine Dupont at the same time. Thomas Ramos, imperial at the foot, is returned to the opening.
The line-up of the XV of France against Argentina
Barré – Villière, Fickou, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Dupont (cap) – Boudehent, Ollivon, Cros – Meafou, Flament – Atonio, Mauvaka, Gros
Substitutes: Marchand, Wardi, Colombe, Guillard, Roumat, Gazzotti, Le Garrec, Gailleton
Original article published on RMC Sport
