In their quest for the Six Nations title, the French rugby team faces challenges after narrowly losing to England. Ahead of their match against Italy, the coaching staff has made key lineup changes, notably moving Thomas Ramos to fly-half and benching Damian Penaud. Rising star Théo Attissogbe, a dynamic winger with a strong record, is set to make an impact after impressive performances. He aims to prove himself while competing with Penaud for a starting position.
French Team’s Quest for Glory in the Six Nations
In their pursuit of another title in the Six Nations Tournament, the French rugby team faced a setback during their second match of the 2025 edition. After a hard-fought battle, they narrowly lost to England with a score of 25-26, showcasing vulnerabilities in both defense and scoring opportunities.
Strategic Changes Ahead of the Match Against Italy
As they prepare to face Italy this Sunday at 4 PM, the French coaching staff has made four significant changes to the starting lineup. One of the most talked-about moves is the shift of Thomas Ramos to fly-half, replacing Matthieu Jalibert. However, the decision to bench Damian Penaud—who has been a consistent presence since Fabien Galthié took charge—has raised some eyebrows. This change appears aimed at eliciting a strong response from Penaud, while also providing young talent Théo Attissogbe with a chance to shine.
Théo Attissogbe, a dynamic winger and recent world champion with the under-20s, has proven his worth with an impressive record of four tries in just four appearances for the national team. Galthié has praised Attissogbe’s emergence, stating, “He is a player who performs. For us, he presents himself as a starter in a very coherent and logical manner.” Following a stellar performance against Wales, where he scored twice and made significant contributions, Attissogbe has clearly earned his place on the team.
Known for his speed, agility, and aerial skills, Attissogbe embodies the qualities of a modern winger. Despite his relatively modest stature (1.81m, 79kg), he was the second player to beat the most defenders in the Top 14 last season while playing for Section Paloise. His diverse athletic background, which includes judo, athletics, rowing, pelota, and golf, alongside his training as a fly-half, has equipped him with the versatility to excel in multiple positions, including full-back.
Attissogbe’s strong mentality sets him apart; he is described by coach Sébastien Piqueronnies as “very demanding and very determined.” While he acknowledges the challenge posed by Penaud, he remains focused on improving his game and striving to reach the level of France’s top wingers. As he gears up for the match against Italy, Attissogbe is ready to make his mark and perhaps score additional points in his rivalry with Penaud.