Fabien Galthié Set To Shuffle His Backline For Argentina Test

France head coach Fabien Galthié is set to shuffle his backline for the opening Autumn Nations Cup game against Argentina.

An injury to highly-rated centre Arthur Vincent for the tests against Argentina, Georgia and New Zealand means Galthié will tinker with his backline this November.

According to Rugby Rama, the French head coach will deploy the starting axis of Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack against Argentina, with Ntamack slotting in at inside centre.

Both Jalibert and Ntamack have been in excellent form this TOP14 season which has played a role in starting the two playmakers. Ntamack started his career at inside centre for Toulouse but has since moved to flyhalf.

There was an indication that he may turn out in the #12 jumper for France, having shifted into the role during Toulouse's 41-0 victory over Castres.

Ntamack would likely partner Virimi Vakatawa in the centres, with Gael Fickou moving onto the wing. Fickou's move to the wing looks likely with Gabin Villière withdrawing from the squad too.

Damian Penaud should start on the right-wing with Brice Dulin, Romain Buros and Melvyn Jaminet to battle it out for the starting fullback role.

What the French starting backline could look like against Argentina:

9. Antoine Dupont

10. Matthieu Jalibert

11. Gael Fickou

12. Romain Ntamack

13. Virimi Vakatawa

14. Damian Penaud

15. Brice Dulin