France-Japan on TF1: Antoine Dupont holder, discover the composition of the XV of France

A new cycle for the Blues. The XV of France begins its fall tour this Saturday against Japan (9:10 p.m. live on TF1, TF1+ (new window) and live commentary on TF1info), a week before challenging New Zealand, still at the Stade de France. For the occasion, Fabien Galthié (new window) has chosen to field Antoine Dupont, who is making his comeback with the XV of France since the 2023 World Cup, and his time with the Blues of Rugby 7 with whom he became Olympic champion this summer (new window).

In addition to the French captain, the French coach made several strong choices. Veteran Gaël Fickou (new window) (30 years old, 90 caps), Fabien Galthié’s manager since the start of his mandate, is among the replacements. A first since 2019. Yoram Moefana replaces him in the center, associated with the young Émilien Gailleton (new window)who benefits in particular from the injury absence of Nicolas Depoortère.

Executives set aside, first for Tatafu

Another Blues executive is paying the price for this desire for transition. Toulon’s third line Charles Ollivon, the first captain appointed by Galthié before Antoine Dupont then Grégory Alldritt replaced him, does not even appear in the group. He is overtaken in the hierarchy by Alexandre Roumat, in great form for two seasons, and whose technical and aerial profile has won over the staff. The Toulousain is associated with two executives, his club teammate François Cros and the Rochelais Grégory Alldritt.

This meeting against the Japanese is also an opportunity for a novice to make his debut. Just selected, Bayonnais Tevita Tatafu, right pillar of Tongan origin, takes advantage of Uini Atonio’s physical problems to enter the starting XV. The rest of the pack has no surprises: Peato Mauvaka at the heel with Julien Marchand on the bench, Thibaud Flament – Emmanuel Meafou on the second line, and the left pillar of RC Toulon Jean-Baptiste Gros.

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The composition of the XV of France against Japan : Barré – Penaud, Gailleton, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Ramos, (m) Dupont (captain) – Roumat, Alldritt, Cros – Meafou, Flament – Tatafu, Mauvaka, Gros.

Substitutes : Marchand, Wardi, Colombe, Guillard, Boudehent, Lucu, Jalibert, Fickou.

Follow the match between France and Japan on Saturday November 9 at 9:10 p.m. live on TF1, TF1+ and live commentary with videos of the best moments of the match on TF1info.