France Squad Shake-Up: Winners And Losers

France Squad Shake-Up: Winners And Losers

France coach Fabien Galthié has unveiled his lineup for Saturday’s clash against Fiji, and it features several notable changes from the side that faced South Africa earlier this month. With injuries, rotation, and form all influencing selections, a few names have emerged as clear winners, while others find themselves sidelined or demoted.

Here’s a closer look at the biggest winners and losers from the latest French team announcement.

WINNERS

1. Grégory Alldritt
The La Rochelle loose forward returns to captain the side, reclaiming his place at the heart of France’s pack. His leadership and work rate were sorely missed against the Springboks, and his reinstatement confirms his status as one of the squad’s most indispensable figures. Alldritt’s inclusion provides both stability and intensity, exactly what France needs heading into the Fiji fixture.

2. Charles Ollivon
After being rested against South Africa, Ollivon slots back in at flank. His return brings balance to the back row and adds valuable experience in the lineout. The Toulon skipper’s leadership presence also strengthens the pack alongside Alldritt, giving France two influential voices among the forwards.

Gregory Alldritt of France during training session of France team at Centre national de rugby on November 11, 2025 in Marcoussis, France.

3. Maxime Lucu
Lucu replaces Nolann Le Garrec at scrumhalf, a sign of trust in his game management and composure. Against a physical Fijian defence, his tactical kicking and ability to control tempo could prove decisive. The Bordeaux No. 9’s recall underscores Galthié’s preference for experience over youthful flair in this particular matchup.

4. Thomas Ramos
Ramos retains the fullback jersey, confirming his status as France’s most reliable backline player. His accurate boot and positional awareness make him undroppable in tight contests. His consistency continues to keep competitors like Melvyn Jaminet on the fringes.

LOSERS

1. Gaël Fickou
France’s most capped backline player is one of the surprise omissions. Dropped entirely from the starting XV, Fickou’s absence suggests a desire to test new midfield combinations. While it may be part of squad rotation, losing his defensive organisation and on-field leadership is a significant blow for him personally.

2. Thibaud Flament
The Toulouse lock, who started against South Africa, misses out on the Fiji matchday squad altogether. His demotion makes way for the imposing Emmanuel Meafou, signalling that France’s coaching staff want more raw power in the second row. Flament’s versatility may see him return later, but for now, he’s a clear casualty of selection reshuffles.

Gael Fickou reacts as he speaks during a press conference, at the Hotel Pullman in Paris on November 7, 2025, on the eve of the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and South Africa.

3. Baptiste Erdocio
The prop started against the Springboks but does not feature in the squad to face Fiji. The tighthead battle within the French front row remains fierce, and Erdocio’s exclusion highlights Galthié’s intent to rotate and reward form elsewhere.

4. Gaël Le Garrec
The young scrumhalf loses his starting spot to Lucu after a mixed outing against South Africa. Though he remains one of France’s brightest prospects, his performance lacked control at key moments, and Galthié has opted for a steadier hand against the unpredictable Fijians.

France’s new-look side to face Fiji reflects Galthié’s ongoing balancing act between experimentation and stability. The return of leaders like Alldritt and Ollivon offers reassurance after a bruising encounter with the Springboks, while omissions such as Fickou and Flament remind everyone that competition for places in this French squad remains fierce.

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