France Recall Experienced Stars Ahead of Springbok Showdown

Fabien Galthié has bolstered his squad with several experienced internationals as France contend with a growing injury list ahead of their Nations Championship clash against the Springboks.

France coach Fabien Galthié has recalled a number of experienced players ahead of Friday's showdown with the Springboks at the Stade de France following a series of injury setbacks.

Les Bleus secured a convincing 54-17 victory over Fiji in Lyon on Saturday, but the result came at a cost, with fly-half Romain Ntamack suffering a shoulder injury that will rule him out of the remainder of the competition.

France were already without key backs Matthieu Jalibert and Thomas Ramos, prompting Galthié to strengthen his squad with several familiar faces.

Hooker Julien Marchand, 31, returns after recovering from a thigh injury, while centre Gaël Fickou and winger Teddy Thomas have also been recalled. Fly-half Louis Carbonel and winger Gaël Dréan are among the other additions.

Thomas, 33, returns to the international setup for the first time since July 2021, while Carbonel has not featured in a France match-day squad since 2022.

Dréan, meanwhile, is back in contention after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following heart surgery. The 26-year-old marked his return for Toulon on Saturday by scoring a try.

France face a significant challenge against the world champions, having managed just one victory in their last 10 meetings with South Africa since 2009.

The Springboks have also won their last five Tests against France at the Stade de France, including their dramatic 29-28 Rugby World Cup quarter-final victory in 2023.

Galthié's side will now look to overcome their injury concerns as they prepare for one of their biggest tests of the Nations Championship campaign.