PARIS (Reuters) – France coach Fabian Golthi made eight changes to the squad that beat Ireland in the Six Nations when he named his starting line-up for the Autumn Nations Cup clash against Scotland at Murfield on Sunday.
Matthew Jalibert arrives at the flyhalf in the absence of the injured Roman Ntemak, accompanied by Scumfal Anton DuPont, while Tho Thomas Ramos, who will be on kicking duty, is present at fullback to the injured Anthony Buthier.
Following an agreement between the French Federation and the league, each player will be named on more than three teamsheets during the November-December period, and Golfi said he has decided to bring in some of his usual replacements – or ‘finishers’ as he calls them – Scotland For travel.
Jean-Baptist Gross, Camille Chat and Damba Bamba have been replaced by Cyril Belle, Julian Marchand and Mohamed Haus, the front row has been completely improved, which saw them win over Wales in the Six Nations final.
“Finishers come into the game with a lot of appetite,” Golti said in a news conference.
Dylan Cretin will start the second row following a Francois Cross injury, while winger Teddy Thomas has returned to the center with Gail Ficou Virami Wakatawa after returning from injury.
France beat Fiji 28-0 in the first game of the Mun Tomin Nations Cup after the match was canceled due to coronavirus cases inside the Fiji team.
Italy will face Les Blias in the final pool game on November 28.
France’s last defeat came in six nations this year against Scotland, when they were sent to Murrayfield 28-17 after being sent to the first half.
Named the front row as a replacement for Sunday’s game, Golfie said he wanted to “show what he can bring to the team and improve for what happened that day”.
Team:
15-Thomas Ramos, 14-Teddy Thomas, 13-Virami Vaktava, 12-Gail Ficau, 11-Vincent Rattaz, 10-th Thia Jalibert, 9-Antoine DuPont, 8-Gregory de Lridt, 7-Charles ll Livon (Capt.), 6 Dylan Cretin, 5-Roman Taofifenua, 4-Bernard Le Rox, 3-Demba Bamba, 2-Camille Chat, 1-Jean-Baptiste Gross
Replacements: 16-Julian March, 17-Cyril Bail, 18-Mohamed Houas, 19-Paul Williams, 20-Cameron Walkie, 21-Baptist Couloud, 22-Louis Carbonell, 23-Arthur Vincent
(Reporting by Julian Pratt; Editing by Toby Davis)
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