Scrumhalf Maxime Lucu is set to lead the charge for France as they face Fiji in Bordeaux this Saturday, stepping in for Nolann Le Garrec, who will miss the Autumn series due to a thigh injury. The announcement came from the French team on Thursday as part of a broader reshuffle, with coach Fabien Galthie making six changes following their recent defeat to South Africa.
Among the notable changes, captain Gregory Alldritt returns at number eight, replacing Mickael Guillard. Galthie expressed strong confidence in Alldritt’s abilities, stating, “At number eight for the past three years, Greg has been the one holding things together,” and hailed him as a player of “great quality” who also needs time to recharge.
The French team is eager to bounce back after being outmatched in the breakdown and struggling with their attack against the Springboks, who played the latter half of the match at a numerical disadvantage. France aims to tighten its performance and address the issues that hampered their last outing, especially as they prepare for the physical and dynamic style of play that Fiji showcases.
Fiji, known for their formidable offloading game, presents another significant challenge. The Flying Fijians come into this match with motivation of their own, having lost to England recently and eager to improve their discipline on the field. With a historic context, Fiji has only managed one win against France in their eleven prior encounters, and they view this match as an opportunity for redemption and growth as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams looking to leverage their recent performances as learning experiences. Given the intensity of this clash, it not only serves as a vital test but also a chance for both sides to shine on the international stage, fostering hope and excitement among players and fans alike.
The full French team for the match includes:
1. Thomas Ramos,
2. Damian Penaud,
3. Nicolas Depoortere,
4. Pierre-Louis Barassi,
5. Louis Bielle-Biarrey,
6. Romain Ntamack,
7. Maxime Lucu,
8. Gregory Alldritt (captain),
9. Oscar Jegou,
10. Anthony Jelonch,
11. Emmanuel Meafou,
12. Charles Ollivon,
13. Regis Montagne,
14. Julien Marchand,
15. Jean-Baptiste Gros.
Replacements:
– Maxime Lamothe,
– Rodrigue Neti,
– Thomas Laclayat,
– Romain Taofifenua,
– Hugo Auradou,
– Paul Boudehent,
– Baptiste Jauneau,
– Emilien Gailleton.
As both teams prepare to meet in Bordeaux, the anticipation builds for a match that could significantly impact their trajectories going forward.
Leave a comment