France name strong team for Wales as exciting talent handed debut

Title favourites France have named a strong team for the trip to Cardiff this weekend

France have made just two changes to the starting side that swept Ireland aside in Paris last Thursday as they prepare to take on Wales in Cardiff this Sunday.

Fabien Galthie has kept the vast majority of the side that beat Ireland 36-14 last week, with the only changes being injury-enforced. With centre pairing Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere ruled out through injury, France have been forced into fielding a new midfield partnership.

Fabien Brau-Boirie makes his Test debut, partnering 11-cap Emilien Gailleton.

On the bench, there’s set to be another debut – with Noah Nene providing back cover following injury to Kalvin Gourgues.

The other changes to the replacements see hooker Maxime Lamothe replace Peato Mauvaka and Thibaud Flament come in for the injured Hugo Auradou.

Twenty-year-old Brau-Boirie will make his debut at the Principality Stadium on Sunday following a fine season with Pau.

In 15 games this season for the French club, the centre has crossed for nine tries.

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He’ll have a familiar face alongside him in club team-mate Gailleton – who scored against Wales in this fixture last year.

Stade Francais Nene provides further midfield cover following France’s injuries in the position, while star scrum-half Antoine Dupont has also been filmed training in the position this week.

However, Dupont starts in his natural position, partnering Matthieu Jalibert.

France have won their last seven matches against Wales – with the last three being with a four-try bonus point.

The last Welsh victory over France came in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final.

France: Thomas Ramos; Théo Attissogbe, Émilien Gailleton, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont; Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri, Charles Ollivon, Mickaël Guillard, François Cros, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch.

Replacements: Maxime Lamothe, Rodrigue Neti, Régis Montagne, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Lenni Nouchi, Baptiste Serin, Noah Nene.