France bring in teenage sensation for Italy
TEAM ANNOUNCMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie made two changes for their Six Nations Round Three match against Italy on Sunday.
France are targeting their second win of the Championship in this third-round match, which will be crucial to their hopes of keeping pressure on the undefeated Ireland and England.
The coach has named 19-year-old lock Posolo Tuilagi in their starting line-up.
The teenager came off the bench in France’s opening two matches of the Six Nations season, but will now partner with Cameron Woki in the second ow on Sunday.
Flank Paul Boudehent is the other new face in Galthié’s starting team.
Boudehent new-look back row of Francois Cross and Charles Ollivon, who will captain the team in Gregory Alldritt’s absence.
Alldritt suffered a cut to his left thigh against the Scots and will miss the showdown.
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu, 8 François Cros, 7 Charles Ollivon (captain), 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Posolo Tuilagi,, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille.
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Alexandre Roumat, 21 Esteban Abadie, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Yoram Moefana.
Date: Sunday, February 25
Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille
Kick-off: 16.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England) & Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
