As the rugby world turns its eyes to the upcoming uncapped match between France XV and England XV at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, Fabien Galthié is poised to roll the dice with some intriguing team choices. With the Top 14 play-offs in full swing, Galthié has crafted a 28-man squad that leans heavily on the talents from Bordeaux-Bègles, despite their unexpected eighth-place finish in the league. This match offers a platform for emerging stars and seasoned players making a return, such as Nicolas Depoortere and Jefferson Poirot, the latter marking his first squad inclusion since 2019.
The backline hints at significant experimentation, particularly within the back-three where Théo Attissogbe is the sole player with Test caps. His experience on the wing during the Six Nations might see him retain his position, opening up opportunities for newcomers like Mathis Ferté from Toulon to take up the full-back role and Christian Ambadiang from Castres to showcase his form on the international stage.
"It's an excellent opportunity to broaden our horizons and really see what these players are capable of in different combinations,"
Galthié remarked, highlighting the blend of youth and experience.In the centres, the UBB duo of Depoortere and Yoram Moefana are likely to bring their club chemistry to the international level, combining power and playmaking ability that has been effective in past tournaments. The half-backs will also reflect this club synergy, with La Rochelle's Antoine Hastoy and Nolann le Garrec slated to start, despite stiff competition from other national team regulars.
The forward pack will see some fresh combinations as well, with Marko Gazzotti, Temo Matiu, and Pierre Bochaton from UBB likely forming the back-row. This selection is not just about continuity but also a nod to their proven track record at the club level. Mickaël Guillard, initially named as a lock, is expected to partner with Tom Staniforth, another example of Galthié's strategy to utilize existing club synergies to strengthen team dynamics.
Jefferson Poirot is set to return directly to the starting lineup, accompanied by Maxime Lamothe and Régis Montagne, rounding out a front row that promises robust engagement upfront.
The bench likely features a 6:2 split, typical of Galthié's recent tactical setups, providing ample opportunity for players like Baptiste Jauneau and Fabien Brau-Boirie to make their mark.
Starting XV: 15 Mathis Ferté, 14 Christian Ambadiang, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Théo Attissogbe, 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Marko Gazzotti, 7 Temo Matiu, 6 Pierre Bochaton, 5 Mickaël Guillard, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Régis Montagne, 2 Maxime Lamothe, 1 Jefferson Poirot
Replacements: 16 Barnabé Massa, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Emerick Setiano, 19 Boris Palu, 20 Killian Tixeront, 21 Esteban Capilla, 22 Baptiste Jauneau, 23 Fabien Brau-Boirie
This lineup not only reflects Galthié's intent to test the depth and resilience of his squad but also underscores a strategic pivot towards integrating club-level success into national team performance, setting the stage for a captivating encounter with