Galthie Announces France Team for Six Nations Opener Against Wales
France coach Fabien Galthie has named his team for the Six Nations opener against Wales, with Damian Penaud ruled out due to injury and Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou included despite past controversy.
France is already facing a significant challenge due to the absence of several key players, including veteran centre Gael Fickou, lock Thibaud Flament, and loose forward Charles Ollivon. To address these gaps, Galthie has made five changes to the team that defeated Argentina 37-23 in Paris in November. These changes aim to bolster the team's chances against Wales at the Stade de France on Friday.
The revised team sees Romain Ntamack return to the fly-half position, which in turn pushes Thomas Ramos to full-back, replacing Leo Barre. Additionally, Pierre-Louis Barassi will replace Fickou in the midfield, while Attissogbe takes Gabin Villiere's place on the wing. Former captain Gregory Alldritt returns to the back of the pack, replacing Ollivon, after being dropped ahead of the win over Argentina. Alexandre Roumat will also start in place of the injured Flament.
The changes reflect Galthie's efforts to adapt to the team's injury challenges while maintaining a competitive edge. Despite the setbacks, France will aim to start the Six Nations on a positive note when they face Wales on Friday. The team's ability to cope with the absence of key players will be a significant factor in determining their success in the tournament.
France's head coach, Fabien Galthie, has announced his team selection for the upcoming match, with some notable inclusions. On the bench, Galthie has opted to include Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, both of whom made their debut for France in Argentina last year. However, their inclusion comes with controversy, as they were previously arrested on rape charges, which were later dropped.
🇫🇷 France vs. Wales 🏴
— Superbru (@Superbru) January 29, 2025
Both lineups are now set for the #SixNations opener in Saint-Denis.
Have these teamsheets made you reconsider your Superbru pick at all? #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/HWQLA9nPCi
The starting XV for France features a mix of experienced players and young talent. The team is captained by scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who will be supported by Romain Ntamack at fly-half. The backline also includes centers Pierre-Louis Barassi and Yoram Moefana, as well as wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Theo Attissogbe. In the pack, Gregory Alldritt and Paul Boudehent will provide a strong presence in the back row.
The replacements bench for France includes a number of players who will be looking to make an impact if called upon. Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, and Georges-Henri Colombe will provide cover in the front row, while Hugo Auradou and Mickel Guillard will offer options in the second row. Oscar Jegou and Nolann Le Garrec will provide scrum-half and fly-half cover, respectively, while Emilien Gailleton will offer a midfield option.
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