The lineup for the French national team has been unveiled for their forthcoming fixture against Wales this Sunday, with three players set to make their Test debuts. A combination of injuries and suspensions has necessitated these changes. Leo Barre and Nicolas Depoortere, two of the new additions, will join the backline, with Barre taking the full-back position and Depoortere slotting in at centre.
The team has had to adjust due to an injury to Matthieu Jalibert, resulting in Thomas Ramos shifting to fly-half and making way for Barre in the back three. Depoortere will partner with Gael Fickou in the midfield following Jonathan Danty’s suspension.
Emmanuel Meafou, hailing from New Zealand and raised in Australia, will be making his first appearance for France after missing the first three games due to injury. He will partner with Thibaud Flament in the second-row. Furthermore, Gregory Alldritt will return to the team as number eight, with Francois Cros moving back to flanker. Charles Ollivon will retain his place at seven to complete the loose trio.
The front row will consist of props Uini Atonio and Cyril Baille, alongside hooker Julien Marchand, who has been selected in place of Peato Mauvaka. Noteworthy selections include Nolann Le Garrec, who has been chosen over Maxime Lucu at the scrum-half position. Additionally, Louis Bielle-Biarrey will make his return to the XV after being withdrawn ahead of the Italy encounter in Round Three.
On the bench, tighthead prop Georges-Henri Colombe could make his debut on Sunday, joining Mauvaka, Sebastien Taofifenua, Romain Taofifenua, Alexandre Roumat, and Boudehent as the forward replacements. The team has opted for a 6-2 split with Lucu and Yoram Moefana providing backline cover.
The French starting XV to take on Wales will comprise Leo Barre, Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou, Nicolas Depoortere, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, Nolann Le Garrec, Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, François Cros, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Uini Atonio, Julien Marchand, and Cyril Baille.
As for the replacements, Peato Mauvaka, Sebastien Taofifenua, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua, Alexandre Roumat, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, and Yoram Moefana will be available for selection.
The match is set to take place on Sunday, March 10 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with kick-off at 15:00 GMT. The referee for the match will be Luke Pearce from England, assisted by Andrew Brace from Ireland and Damian Schneider from Argentina, with Ian Tempest from England serving as the TMO.
In a surprising move, Warren Gatland has made several unexpected decisions for the Wales side, including the dropping of George North from the lineup.