XV of France: return of the Dupont-Ntamack hinge, new third line… Galthié unveils his team for France-Fiji

Fabien Galthié, referring to the numerous injuries to his internationals, confided that he “sometimes feels like he is making a French team of survivors”. To launch the second part of the Nations Championship, Saturday against Fiji, he had to deal with around twenty absentees, players on the flank. This Thursday, the French coach revealed his team composition to challenge the Pacific players, well known in the Top 14. He will be able to count in particular on the hinge that he has used the most since taking office: the Antoine Dupont-Romain Ntamack duo, who have not played together for 609 days and the serious knee injury of the French number 9 during the 42-27 victory won in Ireland on March 8, 2025. solid.

For the rest, Fabien Galthié and his staff decided to line up a new third line with François Cros in 8, supported by Paul Boudehent (an uncertain time after neck pain) and Cameron Woki, back in the forefront since his return to UBB. His last start with the French team dates back to… February 2024. Last minute package, Oscar Jegou was hit in the ribs, he is replaced on the bench by Esteban Capilla (Bayonne) who will make his big international debut.

Behind, also, something new with a rear triangle composed of Théo Attissogbe at the back with Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang on the wings. A bet on speed against the whimsical and formidable Fijians. In the center, the Toulouse nugget Kalvin Gourgues, who will honor his first start with the Blues, will want to confirm his excellent international debut.

In the front five, there is also room for something new. If Mickaël Guillard is now a senior figure (after a less successful performance last summer), the second row Florian Verhaeghe, finalist of the last Top 14 with Montpellier, is entitled to a new chance in the wake of his good summer performances in the southern hemisphere. On the front line, Jean-Baptiste Gros is also a must, but Sipili Falatea will (finally) want to show himself in a right pillar position lacking serious candidates. At the heel, Maxime Lamothe will want to shake up the hierarchy behind Julien Marchand (injured) and Peato Mauka (replacement).

Since the sinister defeat of November 2018 at the Stade de France (14-21), the XV of France has since remained on three victories against Fiji, each time away from Saint-Denis (Vannes, Nantes, Bordeaux). Misstep prohibited in Lyon, the only match relocated this fall, before the XXL shock against the Springboks, double reigning world champions. But everything in its time...

At the end of the first phase of the Nations Championship in the southern hemisphere, the XV of France finished at the top of the North group. After their short setback against the All Blacks (double bonus), the Tricolores had two improved successes, against the Wallabies and the Japanese. France has 12 points ahead of Scotland (11) thanks to bonuses. England are 3rd (10) ahead of Ireland on the difference between points scored/ conceded. Wales occupies 5th place (5) while Italy brings up the rear (zero points).