Fabien Galthié has made four changes to the starting XV that beat the All Blacks.
The La Rochelle tighthead prop missed the first two Tests against Japan and New Zealand but has been recalled replacing the injured Tevita Tatafu.
Georges-Henri Colombe returns to the bench, having played 70 minutes against the All Blacks due to the injury sustained by the Bayonne prop.
The rest of the pack remains unchanged: Jean-Baptiste Gros retains his place on the loosehead side after a string of strong performances, alongside hooker Peato Mauvaka. In the second row, Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou, both from Toulouse, maintain their positions.
The other notable change to the starting XV is the return of back-rower Charles Ollivon, who replaces Gregory Alldritt. Having missed the games against Japan and only featuring on the bench against New Zealand, he returns to the starting lineup.
"These are not decisions that fall like that, like a guillotine, we discuss with all the players, we tell them about the trends, the current form, our desire also to create emulation in our France group, regeneration, recovery for others",
"And then there is a vision for the Tournament in 2025 with a trip to Ireland, with a trip to England. There is also a vision for 2027 (for the World Cup)). Gregory Alldritt participated in the two victories against Japan and New Zealand, he is a captain, he is a leader, he is an exemplary player that all the players want to follow. And he will remain so."
Alldritt, a cornerstone of Galthié’s time as head coach—particularly during the 2022 Grand Slam—has become a victim of the intense competition in the back row.
Paul Boudehent, who impressed against the All Blacks, and François Cros, returning from a concussion, add to the wealth of options in the third row.
In the backline, there is just one change: Léo Barré replaces Romain Buros, who has not recovered from a thigh injury. "He was on the sheet at the base. He was honest with us in telling us that he was not sure of being 100%," Galthié said.
At half-back, captain and scrum-half and recent World Rugby Men’s 7s Player of the Year nominee Antione Dupont keeps his spot at scrum-half, he resumes his partnership with the versatile Thomas Ramos, while Matthieu Jalibert remains excluded from the matchday squad.
On the wings, Louis Bielle-Biarrey—described by Galthié as a “future world-class player”—and Toulon’s Gabin Villière retain their starting spots.
Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Georges-Henri Colombe, Roumat, Mickael Guillard, Nolann Le Garrec and Emilen Gailleton are all named as replacements. There could also be a debut for 20-year-old Bordeaux back-rower Marko Gazzotti, who also comes onto the bench.
France:
15 Leo Barre
14 Gabin Villiere
13 Gael Fickou
12 Yoram Moefana
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
10 Thomas Ramos
9 Antoine Dupont
8 Charles Ollivon
7 Paul Boudehent
6 Francois Cros
5 Emmanuel Meafou
4 Thibaud Flament
3 Uini Atonio
2 Peato Mauvaka
1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements:
16 Julien Marchand
17 Reda Wardi
18 Georges-Henri Colombe
19 Alexandre Roumat
20 Mickael Guillard
21 Marko Gazzotti
22 Nolann Le Garrec
23 Emilen Gailleton
