Fabien Galthie Makes Major Changes to France’s Squad for Fiji Match

SAINT-DENIS, France — France head coach Fabien Galthie has announced significant changes to his 23-man squad ahead of their Test match against Fiji this Saturday, following a disappointing loss to South Africa last weekend.

The match at Stade de France ended in a 32-17 defeat for Les Bleus, who held a narrow 14-13 lead at halftime. Despite being one player up after South Africa’s Lood de Jager received a red card, France could not maintain their advantage.

Reacting to this defeat, Galthie has made six alterations in the starting lineup and five more among the replacements. Key players Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey continue to feature in the backline, while Nicolas Depoortere takes over as outside center, replacing last weekend’s captain Gael Fickou.

Pierre-Louis Barassi moves to inside center, with Romain Ntamack retaining his fly-half position, supported by Maxime Lucu.

Gregory Alldritt, who was notably left out of the squad last week, will captain the side. He is joined in the back row by Oscar Jegou, who replaces Paul Boudehent on the bench, while Anthony Jelonch remains at number six.

The front row includes Regis Montagne, Julien Marchand, and Jean-Baptiste Gros. New additions to the replacements bench include Maxime Lamothe, Rodrigue Neti, Thomas Laclayat, Baptiste Jauneau, and Emilien Gailleton, rounding off Galthie’s squad for this weekend.

The highly anticipated clash kicks off at 21:10 local time (20:10 UK) at Stade de France.

As changes come from the coaching bench, the pressure is on the French team to bounce back against a strong Fijian side this Saturday.