France are set to face Fiji in Bordeaux this weekend, and the match comes after a significant shake-up following their defeat to South Africa. Captain Gregory Alldritt returns to the squad after being dropped for the Springboks clash, taking full responsibility for his previous performance. "The person primarily at fault in this story is me," Alldritt told reporters, acknowledging his early October form wasn't up to par.
Changes to the French Squad
Coach Fabien Galthié has made six changes to the starting XV and five adjustments to the bench, signaling a clear response to the Springboks loss. While the back three of Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey remain unchanged, there are notable shifts in the midfield and forward pack.
Key Lineup Changes:
- Nicolas Depoortere steps in at outside centre.
- Pierre-Louis Barassi moves to inside centre.
- Maxime Lucu replaces Nolann Le Garrec at scrumhalf.
- Alldritt captains the team at No. 8, joined by Anthony Jelonch and Oscar Jegou.
- Charles Ollivon returns to the second row.
Galthié's selection reflects a desire for depth and experimentation, particularly with an eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The inclusion of younger players like Jegou highlights this long-term vision.
The match against Fiji provides an opportunity for France to rebound from their Springboks setback and test their revised lineup. All eyes will be on Alldritt as he leads the team and seeks to redeem himself after his brief absence. Can France deliver a dominant performance against Fiji?