Fabien Galthié announced, this Friday at noon, the composition of the XV of France opposed to Italy this Sunday (4 p.m.), for the first day of the Six Nations Tournament 2023. France, defending champion of the Grand Slam, will try the double with a team very similar to that of last year.
Apart from a few injuries (Jonathan Danty, Cameron Woki), it is the usual backbone of this XV of France undefeated for 13 games which is aligned. Like the hinge formed by captain Antoine Dupont (25 years old, 43 caps) and Romain Ntamack (23 years old, 31 caps), who will be aligned for the 22nd time. The 3rd line of the November tests is renewed (Ollivon-Aldritt-Jelonch). In the pack, Paul Willemse, injured in November, is back.
The full-back position was given to Thomas Ramos, who was preferred to Melvyn Jaminet following his performance with the XV of France in November. And on the wing, due to the injury of Gabin Villière, it is the young Lyonnais Ethan Dumortier who will celebrate his first selection.
On the substitutes’ bench, Racing scrum half Nolann Le Garrec will be Antoine Dupont’s understudy and can also hope for a first selection. The third line or winger of Stade Français Sekou Macalou (27 years old, 11 selections) should also discover the Tournament.
The XV of France against Italy
Ramos – Penaud, Moefana, Fickou, Dumortier – (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap.) – Ollivon, Alldritt, Jelonch -Willemse, Flament – Atonio, Marchand, Baille.
Replacements: Barlot, Wardi, Falatea, Lavault, Taofifenua, Le Garrec, Jalibert.