1
Giant prop among 5 France changes for second helping of Wallabies
By Ian Cameron
Giant French prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin is among five changes that France head coach Fabien Galthie has made for their second tilt at Australia.
The 6'3, 130kg Castre prop is set to earn his first Test cap alongside fellow debutants Pierre-Henri Azagoh and Ibrahim Diallo. The 29-year-old takes Demba Bamba's place in the team, with the tighthead having to make do with a place on the bench. Uncapped prop Enzo Forletta is also named on the bench.
France will be looking for revenge after losing out narrowly to the Wallabies last week when the failure to kick the ball out after 80 minutes effectively cost Les Bleus their first victory on Australian soil in 31 years.
A last-ditch Noah Lolesio penalty saw the Wallabies grab a 23-21 victory which came despite the men in green and gold being the second-best team for the vast majority of the contest.
"Hooter's gone, opposition's got the ball and they win the line-out - you think you're in trouble," said Australian head coach Dave Rennie in the aftermath of the win. "But there was a lot of character shown. I missed Test footy, so we've had a win and we're happy about that but we know we can be a lot better."
FRANCE TEAM VS AUSTRALIA:
Melvyn Jaminet
Damian Penaud
Arthur Vincent
Jonathan Danty
Gabin Villiere
Louis Carbonel
Baptiste Couilloud
Anthony Jelonch (C)
Cameron Woki
Ibrahim Diallo
Cyril Cazeaux
Pierre-Henri Azagoh
Wilfrid Hounkpatin
Gaetan Barlot
Jean-Baptiste Gros
REPLACEMENTS:
Anthony Etrillard, Enzo Forletta, Demba Bamba, Killian Geraci, Romain Taofifenua, Sekou Macalou, Teddy Iribaren, Anthony Bouthier.
WALLABIES TEAM: Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Hunter Paisami, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (capt), Rob Valetini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Phillip, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper. Res: Lachlan Lonergan, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Isi Naisarani, Tate McDermott, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway.
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