France shake-up: Les Bleus make 10 changes for Second Test

France head coach Fabien Galthié has made a bold decision to overhaul his starting lineup, making 10 changes ahead of the second Test against New Zealand.

Following their narrow 31-27 defeat in the opening match, the French camp is betting on rotation and renewed energy to level the series in Adelaide.

Among the few constants is hooker Gaëtan Barlot, who not only retains his place but will also captain the side.

At 28, Barlot brings grit and maturity to a youthful starting XV that averages just four Test caps per player—highlighting Galthié’s intent to build long-term depth under pressure.

“It’s a rotation for stimulation, competition,” Galthié explained, underlining that these changes were not a reaction to the loss but part of a deliberate strategy. “We absolutely wanted to play [the players] as quickly as possible.”

The revised squad includes only four of the Top 14 finalists who played as starters on June 29, with others rested to manage workload. Full-back Léo Barré, returning from a thigh injury, steps into the backline, offering a balance of creativity and coverage at the back.

Notable omissions include seasoned internationals Rabah Slimani and Gabin Villière, both left out of the matchday 23 entirely.

On the bench, experienced forwards Cameron Woki (31 caps) and Romain Taofifenua (55 caps) offer reinforcement should the newer faces falter under pressure.

France XV: 15 Léo Barré, 14 Théo Attissogbe, 13 Nicolas Depoortère, 12 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 11 Émilien Gailleton, 10 Joris Segonds, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Esteban Abadie, 7 Jacobus Van Tonder, 6 Pierre Bochaton, 5 Matthias Halagahu, 4 Joshua Brennan, 3 Georges-Henri Colombe, 2 Gaëtan Barlot (c), 1 Baptiste Erdocio

Reserves: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Régis Montagne, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Antoine Hastoy