Philippe Saint-André has shaken things up with five changes to the French team for this weekend’s Six Nations clash with Wales in Paris. Remi Lamerat comes into the centre for Mathieu Bastareaud, who is benched.
Scott Spedding is dropped from the squad altogether, as Brice Dulin starts at fullback, while alongside him in the back three, Sofiane Guitone comes onto the wing in place of the injured Teddy Thomas. Rory Kockott is also nowhere to be seen, as Morgan Parra is passed fit to start and Seb Tillous-Borde is named on the bench.
The only other change is enforced, as Romain Taofifenua is named at lock in place of the banned Pascal Papé.
FRANCE TEAM TO PLAY WALES:
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Rémi Lamerat, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Sofiane Guitoune, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Damien Chouly, 7 Bernard Le Roux, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Romain Taofifenua, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Eddy Ben Arous.
Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Uini Atonio, 18 Vincent Debaty, 19 Jocelino Suta, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Sebastien Tillous-Borde, 22 Rémi Talès, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud.
10 replies on “Six Nations 2015: France team named for Wales clash”
That`s a strong looking side. As a Welshman, I am concerned Saint-Andres has finally decided to pick on form rather than reputation.
Bastearaud would get short change in battering Welsh back line. Wise moves by Saint Andre.
Finally we pick up a good team, watch out Sofiane Guitoune, the guy has dynamite in his legs and can break few ankles
Chris, I have heard good things about this guy. Looking forward to seeing him play. What do you mean by “can break few ankles”. Not literal I hope?
Dulin at the back is a good move as well.
Yes he is missing a bit of regularity but he did good performances with UBB (probably the team in France playing the most exciting offensive rugby at the moment). I used the Ankle breaker expression just to say that he is very strong on his legs and can change direction very quickly, I hope he will deliver a great performance.
PSA doesn’t do things by halves does he?
Wales have to be a bit worried about Parra being back – he almost made France look good against Ireland when he came on
Bastareud’s best position might be the bench, coming on to run at tired players. No one is going to relish the thought of having to tackle him after 60 mins of play
Don’t know much about his replacment Lamerat or the winger Guitoune. Can anyone shed some light please?
God only knows about the outcome of this one. Hope its a decent game though. Bookies have France at 4/6 on and Wales at 13/10. Wales to win by 6-10 points at 6/1 seems like an ok bet
Guitoune is quick with good feet could be a handful if France can get him enough good ball. Lamerat is another tricky player and has come off the bench in both Games so far and done well. Both changes suggest a quicker style of play and perhaps some of that french flair we have all been missing for so long
What’s happened to that young bloke who scored against England? Fickou I think it was. He looked like a very good player
That’s the problem; too many chops and changes for France. It’s very possible that this is a good XV; but Wales will be pleased that there’s no start for Bastareaud, and also no sign of Picamoles.
Wales start really well and they win the game. If not, could be close.
France might be less than thrilled to see George North coming back in. What a player, what a HUGE player. 50th cap (23 yrs old!), could be a big day!
Not sure that I would agree that Wales will be pleased that there is no Bastareaud. I don’t think that he would have made much impact against Wales. As someone else says, coming off the bench is probably a better bet. They’re probably pleased that there is no Fickou.