France's rugby landscape trembled this week as Fabien Galthie recalibrated his squad following a bruising defeat to the Springboks last Saturday. The 32-17 loss, which saw France squander a half-time lead and a one-man advantage, has forced Galthie to pull two key players from the roster ahead of their next game against Fiji.
The French team, still favorites against Fiji, must now rebound without Lyon’s Mickael Guillard and Montpellier’s Baptiste Erdocio, both sidelined due to injuries sustained in the clash with South Africa. Guillard, who controversially started over veteran Gregory Alldritt last week, struggled with a shoulder issue and exited the game early. His absence likely paves the way for Alldritt's return in the number eight jersey.
"We must adapt and overcome," noted Galthie, highlighting the resilience needed ahead of their upcoming match.
Erdocio, a recent addition to the French squad, has been replaced by Toulon’s Dany Priso after a knee injury ended his participation last Saturday. The reshuffle leaves no spot for star scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who continues to recover from an ACL injury.
The squad adjustment reflects not only the physical toll of international rugby but also the strategic shifts required in the wake of defeat. France aims to climb back up the world rankings, and a victory over Fiji would be a step in the right direction.
France squad in full:
Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Hugo Auradou, Pierre Bochaton, Paul Boudehent, Esteban Capilla, Guillaume Cramont, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Thomas Laclayat, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Jimi Maximin, Emmanuel Meafou, Regis Montagne, Rodrigue Neti, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Emerick Setiano, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki
Backs: Gregoire Arfeuil, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Theo Chabouni, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Gael Fickou, Emilien Gailleton, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Baptiste Jauneau, Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Joris Segonds, Ugo Seunes, Cheick Tiberghien
This refreshed lineup reflects Galthie's intent to shake off the setback and charge forward, with hopes that the changes ignite a spark against Fiji, restoring momentum to Les Bleus' campaign.
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France's rugby landscape trembled this week as Fabien Galthie recalibrated his squad following a bruising defeat to the Springboks last Saturday. The 32-17 loss, which saw France squander a half-time lead and a one-man advantage, has forced Galthie to pull two key players from the roster ahead of their next game against Fiji.
The French team, still favorites against Fiji, must now rebound without Lyon’s Mickael Guillard and Montpellier’s Baptiste Erdocio, both sidelined due to injuries sustained in the clash with South Africa. Guillard, who controversially started over veteran Gregory Alldritt last week, struggled with a shoulder issue and exited the game early. His absence likely paves the way for Alldritt's return in the number eight jersey.
"We must adapt and overcome," noted Galthie, highlighting the resilience needed ahead of their upcoming match.
Erdocio, a recent addition to the French squad, has been replaced by Toulon’s Dany Priso after a knee injury ended his participation last Saturday. The reshuffle leaves no spot for star scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who continues to recover from an ACL injury.
The squad adjustment reflects not only the physical toll of international rugby but also the strategic shifts required in the wake of defeat. France aims to climb back up the world rankings, and a victory over Fiji would be a step in the right direction.
France squad in full:
Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Hugo Auradou, Pierre Bochaton, Paul Boudehent, Esteban Capilla, Guillaume Cramont, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Thomas Laclayat, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Jimi Maximin, Emmanuel Meafou, Regis Montagne, Rodrigue Neti, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Emerick Setiano, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki
Backs: Gregoire Arfeuil, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Theo Chabouni, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Gael Fickou, Emilien Gailleton, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Baptiste Jauneau, Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Joris Segonds, Ugo Seunes, Cheick Tiberghien
This refreshed lineup reflects Galthie's intent to shake off the setback and charge forward, with hopes that the changes ignite a spark against Fiji, restoring momentum to Les Bleus' campaign.