France Team Named To Face Italy

February 04, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

Antoine Dupont will lead France in their opening Six Nations match against Italy on Sunday at the Stade de France.

The 2021 World Rugby Player of the Year returned from injury and COVID in the Top 14 last week and leads the side with Charles Ollivon still sidelined through injury.

Dupont links up with Romain Ntamack once again with France lining up with the same backline that beat the All Blacks 40-25 last November.

Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou retain their starting positions in the midfield with Gabin Villiere and Damian Penaud on the wing, Melvyn Jaminet starts at fullback.

In the pack, Julian Marchand returns to the starting lineup with try-scorer against New Zealand, Peato Mauvaka, moving to the bench. Cyril Baille and Uini Antonio start on either side of Marchand.

Cameron Woki and Paul Willemse partner up in the second row once again while there is one personnel change in the back row as Dylan Cretin and Francois Cros switch starting and bench roles respectively.

Anthony Jelonch starts on the blindside with Gregory Alldritt on the bench.

Fabien Galthie, who will not be present at the match as he is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, has made changes on the bench.

France have returned to a 5-3 split in favour of the forwards with Mauvaka joined by Jean-Baptiste Gros and Demba Bamba as front row cover. Romain Taofifenua retains his place with Cros covering the back row.

Maxime Lucu provides scrumhalf cover with Yoram Moefana added along with Thomas Ramos.