at what time and on which channel to watch the XV de France match?

Which French XV to stop the oil spill? Saturday evening (9:10 p.m.), Fabien Galthié’s men face New Zealand at the Stade de France for their second international test match of the fall, a week after their big victory over the Japanese (52-12). But, to challenge the All Blacks, the French coach decided to make several changes, in particular the strong choice not to retain the opener Matthieu Jalibert, although he started at the 2023 World Cup and is in great form at the start of the season.

As against Japan, the versatile Thomas Ramos was preferred at the opening to the Bordeaux player, and is associated with Antoine Dupont at the hinge. Fullback Romain Buros will make his first selection against New Zealand, and takes the place of Léo Barré who had occupied No.15 against Japan.

A big challenge for Thomas Ramos?

Scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec and center three-quarter Emilien Gailleton are the only two backline players on the bench. This bench composed in 6-2, with six forwards and two three-quarters in order to take up the physical challenge proposed by the All Blacks, relegates Matthieu Jalibert out of the group against New Zealand. A new disappointment for the Bordeaux fly-half (26 years old, 34 caps), who was injured in the spring after a complicated start to the Tournament, but returned to form with his club this season.

Thomas Ramos, who does not hide his preference for the full-back position, but finished the Tournament as a fly-half, will experience one of the biggest challenges of his career in this position. Late in the match, Antoine Dupont would cover the opening if Ramos were to come out or slide to the back, with the choice of the bench limiting the options at the back. “It’s true that it’s very rarely ten,” center Gaël Fickou admitted on Wednesday, who comes off the bench that he found against Japan for the first time since 2019. “Afterwards it’s a very good defender, he has an excellent kicking game, he’s complete, I’m not worried about that.”

Compensate for absences

The other changes compared to the team that crushed Japan without forcing (52-12) are those 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 (ill) and Théo Attissogbe (knee sprain).

The All Blacks, back on top?

A group of 23 players therefore reshuffled by Fabien Galthié. Facing the All Blacks, the French coach intends to put an end to New Zealand’s good series. In this autumn preparation, the world vice-champions are flawless, with a demonstration against Japan (19-64), a forceps success at Twickenham against the XV de la Rose (22-24) and a victory in Dublin on the XV of Clover (13-23). Three consecutive away successes.

At the Stade de France, Antoine Dupont’s teammates will be keen to stop this great All Blacks series. But, after disappointing results and a lackluster generation in recent years, New Zealand is rediscovering its rugby and could once again terrorize lawns around the world. The French XV will therefore have to be careful in Saint-Denis if they want to confirm the good performance against Japan. The meeting promises a great fight between two great rugby nations.