Philippe Saint-André has made an astonishing eight changes to the France starting line-up to play Italy this weekend, from the one that lost meekly to Wales at home in round three.
Noa Nakaitaci wins his first cap on the wing, while Scott Spedding is restored at fullback after being dropped for the Wales game. Maxime Mermoz and Gael Fickou form an entirely new centre partnership, with Wesley Fofana ruled out with injury, while Seb Tillous-Borde comes in at scrum-half for the similarly crocked Morgan Parra. Camille Lopez and Yoann Huget are the only surviving backline members from the Wales loss.
In the pack, Damien Chouly is dropped to the bench with Loann Goujon winning his first start at number eight. Alexandre Flanquart makes his first appearance of the tournament in the engine room, while Nicolas Mas is brought in on the tighthead to join Guilhem Guirado and Eddy Ben Arous in the front row.
Mathieu Bastareaud again starts on the bench, where he is joined by Jules Plisson, who has usurped Remi Tales. There is also a return to the matchday squad for Rory Kockott.
FRANCE TEAM TO PLAY ITALY:
15. Scott Spedding, 14. Yoann Huget, 13. Gael Fickou, 12. Maxime Mermoz, 11. Noa Nakaitaci, 10. Camille Lopez, 9. Sébastien Tillous-Borde; 1. Eddy Ben Arous, 2. Guilhem Guirado, 3. Nicolas Mas, 4. Alexandre Flanquart, 5. Yoann Maestri, 6. Thierry Dusautoir, 7. Bernard le Roux, 8. Loann Goujon
Replacements: 16. Ben Kayser, 17. Rabah Slimani, 18. Vincent Debaty, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Damien Chouly, 21. Rory Kockott, 22. Jules Plisson, 23. Mathieu Bastareaud
9 replies on “Six Nations 2015: France names team to play Italy”
Am I right in thinking he’s dropped Fofana? And Brice Dulin? Their two best backs? Good thinking Saint-André.
Fofana is injured – Dulin is just dropped I think. Seems odd as he was one of the better performers against Wales, and Spedding has done precisely nothing in a France shirt to suggest he is the answer at fullback.
Ah ok that at least explains Fofana. Dulin looked like the only back with real impetus against Wales so I have no idea why he’s gone.
Still ignoring their best hooker too. At least Mas is back, that makes some sense.Must admit I know nothing about Nakaitaci, what’s he like? Is Guitoune injured too?
Wouldn’t be surprised to see an Italian win here.
Yeah Guitone is injured, but Nakaitaci is class – a rangy, rapid Fijian. Have a search for him on YouTube, I’m sure there will be plenty of highlights.
I’ve no idea what to expect in this one. On paper that French team is far too good for the Italians, but they consistently underperform. 8 changes is also a hell of a lot when it comes to gelling as a team. The Italians won’t enjoy the forward dominance they did against Scotland, though, which makes me think France might edge it. Toss a coin, really.
Baffling!!
Apart from leaving in their two best players it is otherwise a very good looking team. Think they need to stop expecting players to play well together off no experience.
But the players also need to pull their thumbs out and grow a pair. Do they want to win or not?
what am I saying. We don’t want them playing well! Keep changing Mr Saint-Andre.
Most likely is that PSA has given up on this 6N and is taking the opportunity to try out other members of the squad (and some outside of the original squad?). It’s either moving the chairs on the Titanic or inspired. Certainly not emulating the SL strategy.
I don’t know why everyone is so surprised I mean its not like PSA has a history of reacting to a defeat by changing half his starting line up dropping the best players and bringing in a load of unknowns and journeymen
Plus they are playing Italy and as much as Stuart Hogg would like to think England don’t have respect for Scotland you can be sure France have even less for their neighbours
The fun about St Andre’s selections, once one accepts that its a different team each time, is that some changes make sense, others just baffle.
Spedding for Dulin???
Fickou from no-where – great!
Kockott on the bench?!?!?