Scotland delivered an impressive result against a slightly weakened French side last weekend, but it looks like an entirely different challenge lies ahead of them heading into this Saturday's match. French Head Coach Fabien Galthié has revealed a starting XV filled to the brim with world-class talent and experience as they look to get revenge in Saint-Etienne.
Only Cameron Woki and Paul Boudehent retain their places in the starting team, as Galthié selects a squad seen by many as their full-strength World Cup lineup.
The all-changed front row sees the return of Cyril Baille and Dorian Aldegheri at 1 and 3 respectively, with Julien Marchand filling in at hooker. Woki keeps his place in the second row but finds himself with a new partner in Thibaud Flament. Boudehent is joined on the flanks by Charles Ollivon, whilst Gregory Alldritt takes his place at the back of the scrum at 8.
The immeasurable halfback pairing of Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont make their much-awaited reappearance in international colours, as they look to open the Scottish defence and provide opportunities for the outside men.
Providing support in the centres is defensive captain Gael Fickou, as he's joined once again by the always impressive Jonathan Danty. The back three is made up by the always familiar Damian Penaud, Gabin Villiere and Thomas Ramos.
France:
Starting XV: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Florian Verhaeghe, 20 Bastien Chalureau, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
Scotland are never a side to back down from a fight, and have won half of all matches between the two sides since 2016, so expect a big challenge from Gregor Townsend's side.
Scotland arrive in France led by captain Jamie Ritchie as they bring their own squad full of talent and experience as they look to dent the French World Cup hopes ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Scotland XV:
15. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 45 caps
14. Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 37 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 17 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 29 caps
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) – Vice-Captain – 70 caps
9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) 62 caps
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 22 caps
2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 36 caps
3. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 54 caps
4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 74 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – Vice-captain – 63 caps
6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain – 41 caps
7. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 9 caps
8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps
Replacements:
16. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) 48 caps
17. Rory Sutherland (unattached) 24 caps
18. Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh Rugby) 4 caps
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 27 caps
20. Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby) 26 caps
21. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby) 4 caps
22. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 21 caps
23. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps
0 Comments