Coach Fabien Galthié has recalled a clutch of experienced players for France’s showdown in Paris against the world champion Springboks this coming Friday night.
Les Bleus beat Fiji 54-17 on Saturday in Lyon, but have only won once in the last 10 meetings with the Boks going back to 2009.
Rassie Erasmus’ men have beaten France five straight times at the Stade de France, including a one-point quarter-final victory in 2023 on their way to retaining the World Cup.
Galthie on Sunday recalled 31-year-old hooker Julien Marchand, who had been sidelined since injuring a thigh in early October. He made his return for his club Toulouse on Saturday and could go straight into the starting XV.
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Flyhalf Romain Ntamack was forced off with a shoulder injury on his international return on Saturday. France were already without playmaker Matthieu Jalibert and fullback Thomas Ramos.
Galthie also recalled 32-year-old centre Gael Fickou and 33-year-old winger Teddy Thomas as well as flyhalf Louis Carbonel and winger Gael Drean.
Carbonel has not featured in a France match 23 since 2022. Drean returned to action for his club Toulon and scored a try on Saturday, after a six-month lay-off following heart surgery.
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post France call in reinforcements appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Fabien Galthié has recalled a clutch of experienced players for France’s showdown in Paris against the world champion Springboks this coming Friday night.
The post France call in reinforcements appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
