Winners and Losers from France’s Selection to Face South Africa

Fabien Galthié has made his intentions clear with a bold France lineup to face the Springboks. The squad reveals not just who has earned the coach’s trust, but also who has fallen down the pecking order as Les Bleus prepare for one of their toughest assignments since last year’s World Cup heartbreak.

Winners

Gaël Fickou emerges as one of the biggest winners. Handed the captaincy, the veteran centre retains Galthié’s full backing despite a raft of senior figures returning to contention. His leadership and defensive authority make him the steady hand France will lean on.

Nolann Le Garrec is another major beneficiary. With Antoine Dupont unavailable, the young scrum half steps into the spotlight, offering a chance to prove he can control the tempo against the most physical side in world rugby. It is a defining opportunity for a player long seen as the heir apparent to Dupont.

In the forwards, Mickaël Guillard has been rewarded for his recent form and gets the nod at number eight, a striking selection that pushes Grégory Alldritt out of the frame. Alongside him, Paul Boudehent, Anthony Jelonch, Thibaud Flament, and Emmanuel Meafou form a pack designed to match the Boks’ brute strength with French flair and dynamism.

Among the backs, the usual suspects retain their grip on starting spots. Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle Biarrey, Pierre Louis Barassi, and Romain Ntamack all feature, bringing continuity and cutting edge to the backline. This is a group capable of turning defence into attack in an instant.

Losers

The most surprising omission is Grégory Alldritt. Once a mainstay and former captain, he finds himself left out entirely, a move that signals Galthié’s willingness to refresh the team dynamic and reward form over reputation. For Alldritt, it is a stark reminder that competition for places in this French side remains fierce.

Antoine Dupont, though sidelined through injury, is another name that looms large by absence. His leadership and spark are irreplaceable, but France must prove they can operate with the same fluidity without their talismanic number nine.

A few other familiar faces have also missed out as Galthié leans toward youth and versatility. The message is clear: no one’s spot is guaranteed in the lead up to the next World Cup cycle.

Building the Hype

When France meet South Africa, it will be more than a friendly test, it is a statement game. The sting of the 2023 World Cup quarter final loss still lingers in French minds, and this is their first real chance at redemption. The new leadership of Fickou, the emergence of Le Garrec, and the hunger of those newly promoted into the squad all point toward a side desperate to prove a point.

Expect passion, physicality, and flair in equal measure. Les Bleus will take the field not just to compete, but to avenge the pain of last autumn. France will be looking for revenge, and the Springboks will know it.