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One change for France as Galthie names his team to host Scotland
By Liam Heagney
Fabien Galthie has announced a France team to host Scotland on Sunday that contains just one starting XV alteration from the round two Guinness Six Nations loss to Ireland. That Dublin defeat was the first for the French since July 2021 and the defending championship champions have reacted by limiting change to only a single enforced swap.
Tighthead Uini Atonio was cited post-game at the Aviva Stadium for his first-half, head-high collision with Ireland’s Rob Herring and he was subsequently suspended for three games.
That ban can be reduced to two if he successfully completes tackle school - successful completion would free him for selection in the final France match of the Six Nations, the March 18 game at home to Wales. In the meantime, his No3 jersey has been taken against Scotland by Mohamed Haouas.
The Montpellier front-rower, who is said to be joining Clermont next season, hasn’t been capped by France since two appearances in last year’s Six Nations.
All the rest of the match day 23 to face the Scots is the same as it was against Ireland, Galthie retaining his full faith in his France team despite their first loss in 19 months.
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It’s a good, timely wake up call for NZ Rugby (seem to be a few of them lately!) - sort out the bureaucratic nonsense at board level. We can’t expect to stay the number one option without keeping fans/players engaged. We’ve obviously been bleeding players to league for years but can’t let the floodgates open (although I think this headline is hyperbolic as it’s a result of a recent Warriors pathways system where they are tracking things more closely) Understand the need to focus boys on rugby if they’re at a proud rugby school too, don’t think it’s harsh at all re Barakat in Hamilton. Reward the committed players with squad positions. An elite 1st XV system in NZ has done more for league than they even realise, think it’s good to protect our game further.
Go to commentsDon’t pay a blind bit of notice to Lukie… he likes the sound of his own voice and is always looking for something controversial to say. He has been banging on about Leinster's defensive system all season like he knows something Jacques Nienebar doesn’t. Which is the reason why he didn’t apply for the job obviously
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