The National Times - Fickou starts for France against New Zealand

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Fickou starts for France against New Zealand

SPORTS 14.11.2024

Fickou starts for France against New Zealand / Photo: © AFP/File

Experienced centre Gael Fickou is among four changes named by France head coach Fabien Galthie on Thursday for this weekend’s November international with New Zealand.

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Fickou is joined in the starting lineup for Saturday's game in Paris by full-back Romain Buros on his debut, winger Gabin Villiere and flanker Paul Boudehent.

The 30-year-old midfielder replaces Emilien Gailleton, who is named on the bench, having being used off the bench himself in last weekend's campaign-opening win over Japan.

Buros is in for the dropped Leo Barre, Villiere comes in for Theo Attissogbe who has a knee issue and Boudehent takes the place of the injured Francois Cros.

Antoine Dupont captains Les Bleus in his second match since returning to the national 15-a-side team after his Olympic gold medal heroics in the sevens format.

France last tasted defeat to the All Blacks in 2018.

France (15-1)

Romain Buros; Gabin Villiere, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (capt); Gregory Alldritt, Alexandre Roumat, Paul Boudehent; Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament: Tevita Tatafu, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros

Replacements: Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua, Mickael Guillard, Charles Ollivon, Nolann Le Garrec, Emilien Gailleton

D.S.Robertson--TNT

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