France make key changes to squad ahead of All Blacks clash

In preparation for their high-stakes autumn clash against the All Blacks, France have announced four changes to their lineup.

Bordeaux fullback Romain Buros is set to make his Test debut, taking over from Leo Barré, while Gabin Villière will step in at right wing, replacing Damian Penaud, who is sidelined due to illness. Théo Attissogbe, Penaud’s initial replacement, has been ruled out due to a sprained left ankle.

Veteran centre Gaël Fickou returns to bolster the midfield for his 92nd cap, joining Yoram Moefana, with Émilien Gailleton moving to the reserves. In the forward lineup, Paul Boudehent, who made a strong impact with two tries in last week's 52-12 win over Japan, replaces François Cros, who is recovering from a concussion.

Romain Buros, an emerging talent from Bordeaux, will debut at fullback, adding depth and versatility to France’s backline.

Meanwhile, Gabin Villière, known for his pace and defensive capabilities, steps in for Penaud. Fickou’s experience and skill make him an invaluable addition to the midfield, where he will partner with Moefana.

Head coach Fabien Galthié retains Thomas Ramos at flyhalf alongside star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, whose playmaking and leadership were instrumental in France’s recent win.

Last Saturday, Les Tricolores showcased an impressive performance with eight tries against Japan, a game in which Dupont’s scoring abilities were not even called upon.

In the pack, Flanker Thibaud Flament, now recovered from a minor knee injury, remains in the back row alongside Alexandre Roumat and No. 8 Grégory Alldritt.

The matchday bench has a 6-2 split favoring forward reinforcements, with Charles Ollivon, a former captain, returning to the reserves after being left out against Japan.

Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert drop out of the matchday squad, with scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec and Gailleton stepping in as replacements.

France and New Zealand last met in the opener of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with France claiming a decisive 27-13 victory. Since then, the All Blacks have maintained their form, narrowly defeating England 24-22 at Twickenham and securing a 23-13 win over Ireland in Dublin last week.

France: 15 Romain Buros, 14 Gabin Villiere, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Thomas Ramos, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Aldritt, 7 Alexandre Roumat, 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Tevita Tatafu, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros.

Reserves: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Charles Ollivon, 22 Nolann le Garrec, 23 Emilen Gailleton