France is set to field six new caps in their starting line-up against Argentina in the first test of a two-match series in Mendoza on Saturday, with Baptiste Serin named as captain.
The 30-year-old Serin, who narrowly missed World Cup selection last year and did not compete in this year’s Six Nations, brings his experience with 44 caps to the team, which is missing many of its regular players.
Among the new faces is 28-year-old Munster center Antoine Frisch, who left France three years ago to play in England and Ireland to advance his professional career.
Also making their test debuts are 20-year-old lock Hugo Auradou from Pau and youthful loose forwards Oscar Jegou and Jordan Joseph.
Debuting on the wings are 19-year-old Pau winger Theo Attissogbe and Lester Etien, who is 29.
Uncapped replacements include back rowers Mickael Guillard and Lenni Nouchi.
Leo Barre is the only player retained from France’s last match when they edged England 33-31 in Lyon.
The second test is scheduled for next Saturday, July 13, with a match against Uruguay in Montevideo on Wednesday in between.
Starting Line-up:
15-Leo Barre, 14-Theo Attissogbe, 13-Emile Gailleton, 12-Antoine Frisch, 11-Lester Etien, 10-Antoine Hastoy, 9-Baptiste Serin, 8-Jordan Joseph, 7-Oscar Jegou, 6-Judicael Cancoriet, 5-Baptiste Pesenti, 4-Hugo Auradou, 3-George-Henri Colombe, 2-Gaetan Barlot, 1-Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements:
16-Teddy Baubigny, 17-Sebastien Taofifenua, 18-Demba Bamba, 19-Posolo Tuilagi, 20-Mickael Guillard, 21-Lenni Nouchi, 22-Baptiste Couilloud, 23-Melvyn Jaminet.