France's Ntamack returns as Penaud ruled out for Wales clash

France’s Six Nations campaign will begin without star winger Damian Penaud, who has been ruled out of the opening match against Wales due to a toe injury sustained in training.

His absence adds to the growing list of unavailable key players for head coach Fabien Galthié, who has had to make several adjustments to his starting lineup.

While Penaud's injury is a significant setback, France receives a major boost with the return of Romain Ntamack at fly-half. His inclusion sees Thomas Ramos move to full-back, replacing Leo Barre, while 20-year-old Theo Attissogbe steps in on the wing for his first Six Nations start.

In the midfield, Pierre-Louis Barassi comes into the starting XV, filling the void left by Gaël Fickou, who is unavailable for the tournament opener.

Galthié has also made key changes in the forward pack. Former captain Grégory Alldritt returns to the back row, replacing Charles Ollivon, who is unavailable for selection. In the second row, Alexandre Roumat steps in for Thibaud Flament, who also misses out due to injury.

Among the replacements, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou have been included. Both players made their international debuts during France’s tour of Argentina last year but were temporarily sidelined after facing legal issues that were later dismissed.

With Ntamack back to pull the strings at fly-half and Attissogbe given a chance to impress on the wing, all eyes will be on France’s reshuffled lineup as they aim to start the 2025 Six Nations Championship on a winning note.

France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Pierre Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c); 1 Jean Baptiste Gros, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio, 4 Alexandre Roumat, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 6 Francois Cros, 7 Paul Boudehent, 8 Gregory Alldritt

Reserves: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Georges Henri Colombe, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickel Guillard, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Emilien Gailleton