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Ducuing to make first France start, Plisson and Dulin return
By Peter Thompson
Nans Ducuing will make his first France start in the third and final Test against South Africa on Saturday, while Jules Plisson and Brice Dulin also come into the side.
Les Bleus have already lost the series after defeats in Pretoria and Durban but have the opportunity to salvage some pride in Johannesburg this weekend.
Guy Noves has made three changes to his line-up to take on the Springboks, giving wing Ducuing his chance to make an impact from the start with Yoann Huget ruled out due to a cut to the mouth sustained in the second Test.
Fly-half Plisson is restored to the side at the expense of Francois Trinh-Duc, who drops to the bench, while full-back Dulin is preferred to Scott Spedding.
Louis Picamoles will retain his place in the back-row having shaken off a thigh injury.
France team: Brice Dulin, Nans Ducuing, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Jules Plisson, Baptiste Serin; Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Rabah Slimani, Yoann Maestri, Romain Taofifenua, Yacouba Camara, Kevin Gourdon, Louis Picamoles.
Replacements: Clement Maynadier, Xavier Chiocci, Uini Atonio, Paul Jedrasiak, Loann Goujon, Maxime Machenaud, Francois Trinh-Duc, Vincent Rattez.
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Latest Comments
Yeah he’s just the backups backup instead, so he still needs to be playing 10 constantly.
The four other franchises are the ones looking likely to produce someone to take his position in the team.
Go to commentsThere’s certainly an expectation about Kailea JM, and I think you’re right about his prospects. Does feel like Hodgman has come past him though, on current form. And he’s only 31, I had it in my head he was older than that..
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