France make 11 changes to their team to face the Wallabies
France boss Fabien Galthie has named his team to host Australia this Saturday in Paris, the first outing for the 2022 Grand Slam champions since their July 9 series-clinching 20-15 win over Japan in Tokyo. That game 17 weeks ago turned out to be the last match ever played by the now-retired midfielder Virimi Vakatawa and Les Bleus now return to the field with an XV showing eleven changes from their last outing.
Second row Thibaud Flament, back-rower Charles Ollivon, versatile back Yoram Moefana - who started in July in midfield but will now play on the left wing - and right wing Damian Penaud are the four repeat picks from four months ago.
France have restored numerous familiar faces to their team, such as half-backs Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack while Gael Fickou will fill the No13 jersey vacated by the sadly retired Vakatawa.
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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