Fabien Galthie has made six changes to the France starting XV for the Autumn Nations Cup final clash with England on Sunday, as Baptiste Couilloud captains the side on his first Test start.
Once again, there are a number of players untested at international level for Les Bleus, as they head to Twickenham to face the reigning Guinness Six Nations champions in search of being the first nation to lift the Autumn Nations Cup.
Couilloud has been used off the bench four times this year, including as a late substitute in the 36-5 victory over Italy last time out, and will be wearing the captain’s armband at scrum-half in London.
There are three full debutants among the French side, with Yoram Moefana and Hassane Kolingar making the starting XV for the first time, as well as Selevasio Tolofua who will be making his first ever appearance for his country.
The two other changes from last weekend’s victory over the Azzurri sees Alivereti Raka line up on the wing, and Stade Rochelais’ Pierre Bourgarit starting at hooker.
Gabin Villiere keeps his place on the opposite flank on Sunday, while Matthieu Jalibert will continue to be the playmaker at fly-half alongside Couilloud.
Jonathan Danty has been deemed fit enough to start against Eddie Jones’ side at outside centre alongside Moefana, while Brice Dulin continues at full-back.
Anthony Jelonch slides across from No.8 to open side flanker, with Cameron Woki starting at blindside.
Galthie has kept the second-row the same, as Baptiste Pesenti and Killian Geraci keep their place in the starting lineup, while Dorian Aldegheri will partner debutants Bourgarit and Kolingar in the forwards.
Galthie said: ”When you prepare for an international match, there is a lot of organization. There is a lot of analytical work.
“What is most striking about the team is the most common experience between the players. The challenge is to put in place an organization that allows us to make the most of the time together.
“We are working a lot on strategy. The match in February (against England) helped us a lot. We’ll be ready on Sunday.”
France starting XV to face England
15. Brice Dulin
14. Alivereti Raka
13. Jonathan Danty
12. Yoram Moefana
11. Gabin Villiere
10. Matthieu Jalibert
9. Baptiste Couilloud (Captain)
8. Selevasio Tolofua
7. Anthony Jelonch
6. Cameron Woki
5. Baptiste Pesenti
4. Killian Geraci
3. Dorian Aldegheri
2. Pierre Bourgarit
1. Hassane Kolingar
Replacements:
16.Peato Mauvaka
17. Rodrigue Neti
18. Uini Atonio
19. Guillaume Ducat
20. Sekou Macalou
21. Sebastien Bezy
22. Louis Carbonel
23. Jean Pascal Barraque
