Holder against Argentina and Georgia, Matthieu Jalibert will find the substitute bench. Shifted to the center in an association of openers which did not really convince, Romain NTamack returned to the opening alongside his Toulouse teammate Antoine Dupont.
A choice which does not necessarily sanction the services of number ten UBB but which responds above all to a desire to densify the team and strengthen the center of the field by associating Jonathan Danty with Gaël Fickou. Same thing in the third row with the return of François Cros alongside Grégory Alldritt and Anthony Jelonch.
Woki is back in the second row
Rather comfortable against the Georgians in an unusual register, the flanker of Union Bordeaux-Bègles is renewed in the second row and associated with Paul Willemse.
– Justine Hamon
There are two other changes to the starting XV. Gabien Villière replaces Matthis Lebel on the wing and hooker Peato Mauvaka, author of three tries in two matches, replaces the usual holder Julien Marchand, injured.