France Opt for Continuity Ahead of Six Nations Clash in Wales

February 12, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

France have opted for continuity for their second-round Six Nations match in Wales, keeping the core of the starting XV that faced Ireland in their opener. Very few changes have been, with a few adjustments in the midfield and among bench.

Thomas Ramos will again start at fullback alongside Attissogbe and Bielle-Biarrey again selected on the wings. In midfield, injuries to Depoortere and Moefana see Émilien Gailleton and Fabien Brau-Boirie start in the centres, while the half-back pairing remains unchanged, with Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half and captain Antoine Dupont at scrum-half.

The forward pack remains unchanged from the Ireland match as the loose trio of Anthony Jelonch, Oscar Jegou, and François Cros is retained. Mickaël Guillard who had a standout performance against the Irish will pair up with Charles Ollivon in the second row, with the front row of Dorian Aldegheri, Julien Marchand, and Jean-Baptiste Gros completing the forward pack.

Among the substitutes, Fabien Brau-Boirie is selected for the first time, while Noah Nene replaces Kalvin Gourgues on the bench. France face Wales this weekend as they look to build on their strong opening performance and defend their championship.