News

Penaud back in only change for France team to face England

DamianPenaudScoFra22SB2000
Damian Penaud will return to the starting XV for France for their Grand Slam clash with England in Paris as the only change from the team that beat Wales last time out.

Damian Penaud will return to the starting XV for France for their Grand Slam clash with England in Paris as the only change from the team that beat Wales last time out.

The winger was ruled out of the 13-9 win in Cardiff after testing positive for Covid but has recovered to take his place in the team on the right wing.

He replaces Yoram Moefana, who had featured in every game of the Championship up to now, but suffered a knee injury against Wales.

There is also one change on the bench where Romain Taofifenua, who like Penaud, had tested positive for Covid, is back.

He replaces Matthis Lebel, with France reverting to their preferred 6-2 bench split to take on England.

France have won four from four so far in the Guinness Six Nations and are looking to clinch a first title and a first Grand Slam in 12 years at the Stade de France.

Elsewhere in the side, Antoine Dupont captains the team once more, combining with Romain Ntamack in the half-backs, while Penaud is joined by Gabin Villière and Melvyn Jaminet in the back three.

Jonathan Danty and Gaël Fickou start in the centres to complete the back line.

Up front, Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand and Uini Atonio form the front row, with Paul Willemse and Cameron Woki behind them.

The back row is also unchanged as François Cros and Anthony Jelonch join Grégory Alldritt.

France team to take on England:

France: 15. Melvyn Jaminet, 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Gaël Fickou, 12. Jonathan Danty, 11. Gabin Villière, 10. Romain Ntamack. 9. Antoine Dupont (c), 1. Cyril Baille, 2. Julien Marchand, 3. Uini Atonio, 4. Cameron Woki, 5. Paul Willemse, 6. François Cros, 7. Anthony Jelonch, 8. Grégory Alldritt.

Replacements: 16. Peato Mauvaka, 17. Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18. Mohamed Haouas, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Thibaud Flament, 21. Dylan Cretin, 22. Maxime Lucu, 23. Thomas Ramos