France ring in changes for Hamilton Test against New Zealand

France have overhauled their starting XV ahead of the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton this Saturday.

Head coach Fabien Galthie has introduced nine changes in a bid to recover from defeats in the opening two Tests.

Most notably, tour captain Gaël Fickou returns at inside centre for his 95th cap, providing leadership amid a strong lineup. Prop Rabah Slimani also comes back into the front row after missing the second Test.

The backline sees Antoine Hastoy earn his first Test start on tour at fly-half, with Nolann Le Garrec continuing at scrum-half and winger Théo Attissogbe holding his place after solid performances.

Up front, a reinforced pack features Mickael Guillard, Alexandre Fischer, and Joshua Brennan in the back row, with the second row boasting Hugo Auratou and Matthias Halagahu. Baptiste Erdocio starts at loosehead prop.

The bench includes renewed front-row options in Gaëtan Barlot, Paul Mallez, and Demba Bamba, offering impact in set-piece exchanges.

Galthié has opted against selecting uncapped players, instead choosing experience and tested talent for this tour finale.

France XV: 15 Leo Barre, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Gael Fickou (captain), 11 Gabin Villiere; 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Joshua Brennan, 7 Mickael Guillard, 6 Alexandre Fischer, 5 Matthias Halagahu, 4 Hugo Auradou, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Baptiste Erdocio

Reserves: 16 Gaetan Barlot, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Killian Tixeront, 21 Pierre Bochaton, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Emilien Gailleton