France squad: Fabien Galthie counting cost of Springboks defeat as key duo drop out
Fabien Galthie has made changes to his initial squad this week, after losing to the Springboks on Saturday
France head coach Fabien Galthie has been left counting the cost of his side’s loss to the Springboks, with two key players sidelined for their upcoming clash with Fiji.
Les Bleus slumped to a 32-17 defeat against the reigning world champions over the weekend, despite leading 14-13 at half-time and having numerical advantage following Lood de Jager’s red card.
However, they come into this weekend’s meeting with Fiji as heavy favourites, as they look to climb back up the world rankings.
France dealt major injury blows after Springbok defeat
The big change comes in the form of Lyon forward Mickael Guillard, who has been replaced by Bordeaux-Begles man Pierre Bochaton in the wider squad. Guillard was taken off after 47 minutes on Saturday, alongside four other starting forwards, but appeared to be struggling with a shoulder issue.
Guillard’s selection dominated headlines last weekend, as he was given the nod at number eight over long-term starter and previous captain Gregory Alldritt, but his absence this weekend could see the La Rochelle man return to the starting XV.
Elsewhere, RugbyPass are reporting that Baptiste Erdocio will also be out of action this weekend. The Montpellier loosehead, who made his Test debut during Les Bleus‘ summer tour of New Zealand, picked up a knee injury in the defeat on Saturday, and has since been replaced by Toulon prop Dany Priso. The 31-year-old won the last of his 18 caps in France’s win over Japan in 2022.
There is still no room for Antoine Dupont in the initial squad, despite the Toulouse scrum-half being seen in training videos last week. He is yet to make his return to action following an ACL rupture during the Six Nations.
France squad in full
Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Hugo Auradou, Pierre Bochaton, Paul Boudehent, Esteban Capilla, Guillaume Cramont, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Thomas Laclayat, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Jimi Maximin, Emmanuel Meafou, Regis Montagne, Rodrigue Neti, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Emerick Setiano, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki
Backs: Gregoire Arfeuil, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Theo Chabouni, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Gael Fickou, Emilien Gailleton, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Baptiste Jauneau, Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Joris Segonds, Ugo Seunes, Cheick Tiberghien
