France head coach Fabien Galthie has unveiled his lineup to face South Africa in Paris this weekend, handing the captaincy to Gael Fickou and making several bold changes ahead of the high-stakes clash.
Fickou steps up as skipper in place of Gregory Alldritt, who has been left out entirely, as Les Bleus seek redemption against the Springboks,the side that ended their World Cup hopes in a nail-biting quarterfinal two years ago.
Thomas Ramos starts at full-back, with Bordeaux-Bègles pair Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the wings. Fickou partners Pierre-Louis Barassi in midfield, while Romain Ntamack and Nolann Le Garrec form the half-back pairing.
In the pack, Mickael Guillard earns the No. 8 jersey after impressing on France’s summer tour, joining Paul Boudehent and Anthony Jelonch in a dynamic back-row. Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament lock the scrum, supported by a front row of Regis Montagne, Julien Marchand, and Baptiste Erdocio.
Galthie’s bench features a 6–2 split, with forwards Guillaume Cramont, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Hugo Auradou, and Oscar Jegou providing muscle. Jegou, who has previously filled in at centre, offers cover across positions. Maxime Lucu and Nicolas Depoortere complete the matchday 23.
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Nolann le Garrec, 8 Mickael Guillard, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Regis Montagne, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Baptiste Erdocio Replacements: 16 Guilaume Cramont, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Nicolas Depoortere
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