Antoine Dupont to lead France in World Cup opener against New Zealand
Antonie Dupont has been named at scrum-half for the clash against New Zealand
©Steve Haag
France head coach Fabien Galthie has confirmed the matchday squad for the World Cup opener against New Zealand to be played in Saint-Denis on Friday.
Jonathan Danty, who was a doubtful starter for the game has been ruled out with Yoram Moefana named at inside centre joining Gael Fickou at midfield.
Antonie Dupont will be captaining the side starting at scrum-half with Matthieu Jalibert partnering at fly-half. Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud and Gabin Villiere will be forming a formidable back three with Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon and Francois Cros part of the back row.
While Bastien Chalureau is not in the matchday squad, Thibaud Flament and Cameron Woki are the preferred locks and the absence of Baille sees Reda Wardi joining Uini Atonio and Julien Marchand in the front row.
Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent and Melvyn Jaminet will provide impact from the bench as France look to start the tournament with a win in front of their home crowd.
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Reda Wardi
Reserves: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Paul Boudehent, 21 Maxime Lucu 22 Arthur Vincent, 23 Melvyn Jaminet
