PARIS – As Eddie Jones toys with naming his first-choice stars or wrapping them in cotton wool, Fabien Galthie has rolled out the big guns in Les Bleus’ final match before hosting the World Cup at the Stade de France on Sunday (Monday, 1:45am AEST).
Not even the devastating knee-injury to Romain Ntamack has seen the former French captain go into his shell.
No, Les Bleus boss, who boldly backed youth ahead of the last World Cup knowing they had to change course to ensure they were primed for hosting the tournament four years’ later, has named what many think is his best side.
It’s not necessarily a surprise.
France’s head coach Fabien Galthie has named a strong line-up to take on the Wallabies in their final hit out before their World Cup opener against the All Blacks. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP via Getty Images)
Unlike the Wallabies who will play Georgia first-up, who are no easy beats but nonetheless aren’t expected to progress through to the final eight, France will host the red hot All Blacks in their World Cup opener on the tournament’s opening night.
It means France must be ready from the outset and by playing the Wallabies, Galthie’s side will finally take on a Southern Hemisphere power that play completely different from those in the north.
The former halfback has named his captain and arguably the world’s best player in Antoine Dupont, whose combination is still building with Matthieu Jaibert following Ntamack’s devastating injury a fortnight ago.
Nor is he the only headline act, with power up front and skill and explosiveness in the back-row. Then look to the backline, which features the hulking metre-eater and on-ball threat in Jonathan Danty at inside centre and the livewire Gael Fickou in the midfield.
Gabin Villiere, Damian Penaud and Thomas Ramos feature in a threatening back three, with the trio well known to the Wallabies.
Indeed, less than a year ago Penaud’s late try denied the Wallabies a famous victory at the same venue. Victory could well have saved Dave Rennie’s tenure with the Wallabies, as his side let another close match slip through their fingers.
Damian Penaud celebrates after France beat the Wallabies at the death at the Stade de France on November 05, 2022 in Paris. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Up front, Julien Marchand starts at hooker alongside giant tight-head prop Uini Atonio.
Thibaud Flament and Paul Willemse are the second-row pairing, with Cameron Woki to come off the bench.
Francois Cros, Charles Ollivion and Gregory Alldritt meanwhile offer a well-balanced and threatening back-row.
What and who Jones names remains to be seen.
Eddie Jones is weighing up several selection calls ahead of Sunday’s clash against France. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
The Wallabies are winless from four Tests to start Jones’ second tenure, but the veteran boss knows the World Cup won’t be won against France. Yet, it could be lost.
If Angus Bell or Taniela Tupou were to go down, their campaign would be in crisis.
Others, including Tupou, need game time and that extends to Jones’ wider squad, including Ben Donaldson, who hasn’t played a match in more than two months yet is the Wallabies’ second playmaker.
Jones will name his team on Friday at approximately 6pm AEST.
France 1-15: Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio, Thibaud Flament, Paul Willemse, Francois Cros, Charles Ollivion, Gregory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont, Matthieu Jaibert, Gabin Villiere, Jonathan Danty, Gael Fickou, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos
Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Sebastien Taofifenua, Dorian Aldegheri, Cameron Woki, Paul Boudehent, Baptise Couilloud, Malywn Jaminet
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Agree but its second best. So either make the effort if thats your thing or watch the replay.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
The thing to bare in mind with the Scotland game is they were one game more into their preseason and for both games France played alot of players while Scotland went close to the same team. 3-4 week more done in training and it will be a much better organized pack. The big thing for me is the standard of the pack players coming off the bench. Oz starting pack is big enough but not so much the bench. France its one big player for another and having Woki come on is a prime example.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
People often overlook the French packs work in France's kicking game. While Dupont, Ntamack and Ramos get all the plaudits it is the work while the ball is in the air that makes their kicking so good. Those forwards will run all day and just like Wil has improved his fitness in France so have all the other players he is around.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
That is a good team. Will be interesting to see if they treat it like a fully focused game or will it be more akin to we have things to try that we want you to get better at but don't care if you win the game. I think Jailbert will surprise a few Oz fans and how good a 10 he is when given free rain and not have to be stuck between Dupont at 9 and Ntamack at 12 wanting to tell him what to do. He is my outside bet for Man of the match if I was to pick one. That pack will be a good test for the young Oz players and help them know what Georgia will be like. On a side note I will be curious how Scotland v Georgia go as Scotland will be flair like Oz while Georgia will be grunt like SA so perfect game prep for both sides.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
I'd love to see a fully fit Gleeson with a full season of averaging 70 min games under his belt playing both 8 and 6. I'm a huge fan of loosies who can go for 80 min. Gleeson can get there.
Brepen
Roar Rookie
Watching replays not live is not the same .
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Haven't seen Suli play wing yet let alone hooker... Think your wrong on Gleeson ,Eddie selections are arguable and that may be one.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
I was wondering where Cyril Baille was. Apparently has calf strain, out for at least 6 weeks. That's bad news for the French
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
Either way Jacko, he has to find out where his side is and there's no better opportunity, than against this outfit.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
This will be a massive test for the Wallaby. This French pack, although being big, are also quick, & will go the eighty if required. Something I take Eddie, & now Shag, have addressed thoroughly, in their preparations, for this encounter. It'll be a challenge as the Frogs will be hard at home, but not unbeatable.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Where is Olivant ?
Porkchop
Roar Rookie
Good pick up . Simon Raiwului is a good coach , will check out highlights
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Gleeson needs game time to get his match fitness anywhere close to where it needs to be. If Eddie Plays Gleeson at 7 in any other means apart from an injury crisis, i'll start supporting the Matildas moving forward. He might as well start Suili at hooker if he does play.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Its on STAN. Watch it when you want. I like to watch first up when I can.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Fiji forwards found huge gaps around french ruck running one out league style...Hurt the French in defence that's where Eddie will attack them.. interesting too see named pack as ball runners will be key..
Jacko
Roar Rookie
What if your top 15 has 50 points put on them? Or 30?
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Yes 50mins or more great but guy hasn't played any minutes for a year...Games going to be intense so may well be replaced earlier than hoped and your right Zane has to come on unless Slipper fit..tight head situation is dire relying on guy who is coming back from major injury and a rookie..
Porkchop
Roar Rookie
I doubt Eddie will go toe to toe and field strongest 15 . I’m good with that call if so , rather blood the freshies , keep building some combos & work on set plays . Want the win of course , will take a narrow loss with solid performance 2 weeks out .
Andy J
Roar Rookie
We will be extremely lucky to go within one score of this French team. Further evidence that we should have stuck with Rennie. Remember Rennie has a spate of injuries and also wasn’t able to pick an unlimited number of overseas based players like Eddie can.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Yes Ferret I know but it’s Eddie we are talking about I think TT will start and Gleeson will be getting a run at least of the bench..mc reight well may start but Gleeson if fit will get game time Eddie likes his potential and will want too see if he is going to make contributions later in knockout phase..he has been selected off no appearances.Surely fit he will be played sooner rather than later..oh well find out few hours what the eccentric one thinks..