Elected man of the match last Sunday after the victory of the XV of France against Georgia (41-15) in Bordeaux, Damian Penaud is gaining momentum. Author of two of the six French trials, the Clermont winger has become a part of the Blues coach Fabien Galthié. It was therefore logically chosen to start the third and last test of the autumn tour of the French team.
Damian Penaud will therefore celebrate his 28th selection on Saturday at the right wing of the France team. Probably with the idea of volunteering often in the game as he did a lot against Georgia. Even if he will also probably have to spend more time defending than last Sunday.
A Dupont-Ntamack hinge
After two victories against Argentina and Georgia, Penaud and his friends are now at the foot of the great black wall. The formidable New Zealand arrives in France, upset like a lice after a defeat in Ireland last weekend. Not necessarily good news for the Blues. The All Blacks will want to wash away the affront. The feat would be all the more beautiful.
Main teaching of the starting XV chosen by Fabien Galthié, the Toulouse Dupont-Ntamack hinge is reconstituted. Consequently, the Bordeaux opener Mathieu Jalibert is pushed onto the bench. Note also the presence on the bench of Gaëtan Barlot; the hooker from Castres is a pure Auvergne, from Saint-Ours les Roches.
France – New Zealand, a match to live on France Bleu at 9 p.m. live from the Stade de France.