France have made a dozen changes to their lineup since their last outing against Argentina during the 2024 summer tours. Many of "Les Bleus'" star players return as they look to extend their unbeaten record against Japan.
Fabien Galthié’s side come into this match with a seven-game unbeaten streak against Japan (W6, D1). They also make a long-awaited return to the Stade de France, where they boast a strong record of 18 wins in their last 20 games, and haven’t lost by more than seven points at home since a 2017 defeat to New Zealand (18-38).
Leading the squad, Antoine Dupont returns as captain after a triumphant summer where he led France to a gold medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics, scoring twice in the final against Fiji. His comeback to club rugby was equally impressive, with a rapid hat-trick off the bench for Toulouse.
Alongside Dupont, Thomas Ramos, who starts at fly-half, is just 18 points away from overtaking Didier Camberabero on France’s all-time points list, and winger Damian Penaud is closing in on becoming France’s highest try-scorer, needing three tries to overtake Serge Blanco (38) who sits at the top of the list.
There is one new addition to the French starting 15, with Bayonne’s Tevita Tatafu selected to earn his first cap as he starts at prop. Alongside Jean-Baptiste Gros as the other prop, and Peato Mauvaka, who has an impressive strike rate with nine tries in his international career will start as hooker.
In the engine room, Thibaud Flament, the former Loughborough University fifth team fly half starts alongside giant Emmanuel Meafou. They are ably supported by a back-row of François Cros, Alexandre Roumat who start at blindside and openside flankers respectively. Gregory Alldritt will make his 50th French appearance starting at number 8.
Léo Barré slots in at fullback for his fifth test, allowing Ramos to direct play at fly-half. Émilien Gailleton, the 21-year-old outside centre, pairs with Yoram Moefana in the midfield. This dynamic back line includes Penaud, eager to extend his try-scoring record, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the left wing, both of whom have already shown their scoring prowess in the Top 14 competition.
The bench also offers a wealth of experience and firepower with the likes of Marchand, Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert and Gail Fickou named among the replacements, adding depth and strength to an already formidable side.
