Who to compete against the All Blacks? Fabien Galthié revealed on Thursday the composition of the French XV to face New Zealand on Saturday (9:10 p.m.) for the second test match of the fall tour. Holder at the 2023 World Cup, fly-half Matthieu Jalibert was not included in the group of 23 players. The versatile Thomas Ramos was preferred, he will be associated with the hinge Antoine Dupont. Full-back Romain Burros will celebrate his first selection for the Blues and takes the place of Léo Barré who occupied number 15 against Japan.
The bench, composed in 6-2, with six forwards and two three-quarters, was decided to meet the physical challenge imposed by the New Zealanders. Which explains Jalibert's ouster from the group. A new disappointment for the Bordeaux opener, injured in the spring after a complicated start to the Six Nations Tournament but who had since returned to form.
Biggest challenge of his career for Thomas Ramos
For Thomas Ramos, who does not hide his preference for the full-back position, Saturday will be about taking on one of the biggest challenges of his career. If he were to come off late in the match, Antoine Dupont will be able to cover the opening, with the choice of the bench limiting the options at the back.
The other changes compared to the team that crushed Japan (52-12) are due to injuries. In the third row, in the absence of François Cros who suffered a concussion, it is the powerful Paul Boudehent who is established, associated with Alexandre Roumat and Grégory Alldritt. The first and second rows are unchanged, the right pillar Tevita Tatafu making a second selection after the withdrawal of Uini Atonio, still struggling with his calf, while the second row Thibaud Flament is there, after having received a blow on the crest iliac (pelvis).
Behind, Gabin Villière returns to the XV, starting on the wing, taking advantage of the absences of Damian Penaud (illness) and Théo Attissogbe (knee sprain).
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