2023-09-08 20:46:58
For this opening match, Fabien Galthié is fielding the “best team of the moment” according to his words. Hit in the hamstrings during the last preparation match against Australia at the end of August, Jonathan Danty, usual holder in the center, had to forfeit. It is Bordelais Yoram Moefana (23 years old, 18 caps) who takes his place alongside defense captain Gaël Fickou. Gabin Villière and Damian Penaud start on the wings while full-back Thomas Ramos will play the scoring role. At the hinge, no surprise before Antoine Dupont aligned alongside Mathieu Jalibert.
Another major absentee, 2nd row Paul Willemse, is out of the entire competition. To fill this absence, Thibaud Flament will be aligned with number 5 and will be supported in the cage by Cameron Woki. Injured against Scotland in mid-August, left prop Cyril Baille could return on the third day of the group stage, against Namibia, on September 21. In the meantime, Reda Wardi will act on the front line alongside Julien Marchand and Uini Atonio.
France’s starting XV: Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villière – (o) Jalibert, (m) (cap.) Dupont – Ollivon, Alldritt, Cros – Flament, Woki – Atonio, Marchand, Wardi.
Substitutes: Mauvaka, Gros, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Boudehent, Vincent, Lucu, Jaminet.
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