1
France hand recall to Fijian-born powerhouse Raka for November internationals
By AAP
France have recalled Fijian-born Clermont winger Alivereti Raka for the autumn international series, which kicks off with a test against Australia.
Montpellier fullback Anthony Bouthier has also been brought back into a 42-man squad that includes eight uncapped players.
Fijian-born Raka, 27, made the last of his five test appearances in December 2020 and returns to the national set-up after a strong start to the season, as does the 30-year-old Bouthier who last featured in July 2021.
Flyhalf Romain Ntamack has also been included in the squad named by Fabien Galthie on Monday despite not playing for Top 14 leaders Toulouse since September due to an ankle injury.
Ntamack will join Toulouse team mates Antoine Dupont, Matthis Lebel, Pierre-Louis Barassi and Thomas Ramos, but fullback Melvyn Jaminet missed out after picking up an ankle injury at the weekend.
Forwards Reda Wardi, Thomas Laclayat, Florian Verhaeghe and Jordan Joseph along with Leo Berdeu, Ethan Dumortier, Romain Buros and Pablo Uberti are among those in contention to earn their first caps.
France will host the Wallabies on November 5 in Paris and South Africa on November 12 in Marseille before taking on Japan in Toulouse six days later.
Squad:
Forwards: Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Alexandre Becognee, Pierre Bourgarit, Dylan Cretin, Sipili Falatea, Thibaud Flament, Killian Geraci, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mohamed Haouas, Anthony Jelonch, Jordan Joseph, Thomas Laclayat, Sekou Macalou, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Yoan Tanga, Romain Taofifenua, Florian Verhaeghe, Reda Wardi, Paul Willemse, Cameron Woki
Backs: Pierre-Louis Barassi, Leo Berdeu, Anthony Bouthier, Romain Buros, Baptiste Couilloud, Jonathan Danty, Ethan Dumortier, Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou, Matthieu Jalibert, Matthis Lebel, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Alivereti Raka, Thomas Ramos, Pablo Uberti.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments