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France change 11 as Fickou returns for Hamilton clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie made 11 changes to the starting line-up that will face New Zealand in the third Test on July 19 in Hamilton.

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Les Bleus will be looking to win for the first time in 16 years on New Zealand soil, with their last victory dating back to June 13, 2009, when they won 27-22 in Dunedin.

France came close to achieving the same feat two weeks ago, but ultimately lost by four points.

For the first time on their 2025 tour, there will be no new caps, but six players will receive their second shot in a dark blue jumper.

Centre Gaël Fickou returns to wear the captain’s armband after missing out on selection during the French’s 17-43 defeat to the All Blacks in Wellington last week.

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France: 15 Leo Barre, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Gael Fickou (captain), 11 Gabin Villiere; 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Joshua Brennan, 7 Mickael Guillard, 6 Alexandre Fischer, 5 Matthias Halagahu, 4 Hugo Auradou, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Baptiste Erdocio
Replacements: 16 Gaetan Barlot, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Killian Tixeront, 21 Pierre Bochaton, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Emilien Gailleton

Date: Saturday, July 19
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 French time; 07.05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Damian Schneider (Argentina) & Takehito Namekawa (Japan)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)

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