France change two as Damian Penaud returns

Adam Kyriacou

France head coach Fabien Galthie has made two changes to his team that will face Scotland in their fourth Six Nations match at Murrayfield on Sunday.

The return of Damian Penaud from injury is a boost and he replaces Teddy Thomas on the wing, the latter dropping out of the matchday 23.

Elsewhere, an injury to Cyril Baille means a start for Jefferson Poirot at loosehead prop as Les Bleus look to make it four victories from four.

Standing in their way is a Scotland outfit struggling for form as they have lost two out of their opening three games under Gregor Townsend.

Galthie is able to retain the vast majority of the side that won against Wales in Cardiff, with consistency in selection having been a plus for the head coach as he enjoys a fantastic start to his international tenure.

Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack therefore continue in the half-back spots while youngster Arthur Vincent is rewarded after his impressive performance against Wales with another start at inside centre.

Charles Ollivon skippers once again and resumes his back-row combination with François Cros and in-form number eight Gregory Alldritt.

France: 15 Anthony Bouthier, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Arthur Vincent, 11 Gael Fickou, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Grégory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 François Cros, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Bernard Le Roux, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Dylan Cretin, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Matthieu Jalibert, 23 Thomas Ramos

Date: Sunday, March 8
Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Frank Murphy (Ireland)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

 

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