France name three Test debutants to face Wales in Cardiff clash

Fabien Galthie at France v Ireland match in 2024 Six Nations Fabien Galthie has made eight changes to the side that drew with Italy (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Three players will make their Test debuts when France face Six Nations opponents Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.

France head coach Fabien Galthie has called up full-back Leo Barre, centre Nicolas Depoortere and lock Emmanuel Meafou for the Principality Stadium clash.

Barre takes over from Thomas Ramos, who moves to fly-half instead of an injured Matthieu Jalibert, with Depoortere replacing a suspended Jonathan Danty and Meafou preferred to Posolo Tuilagi.

Elsewhere, captain and number eight Gregory Alldritt returns after injury, with other changes following a 13-13 draw with Italy seeing starts for wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec, hooker Julian Marchand and lock Thibaud Flament.

France have won their last four Six Nations games against Wales, but they are seeking only a second victory of this season’s tournament.



France team to play Wales in Six Nations

Forwards: 1 Cyril Baille, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Uini Atonio, 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 6 Francois Cros, 7 Charles Ollivon, 8 Gregory Alldritt (Captain)

Backs: 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 10 Thomas Ramos, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Nicolas Depoortere, 13 Gael Fickou, 14 Damian Penaud, 15 Leo Barre

Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Alexandre Roumat, 21 Paul Boudehent, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram Moefana

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