France make big backline changes for Scotland clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Jacques Brunel dropped experienced halfbacks Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez on Tuesday for this weekend’s Six Nations match against Scotland in Paris.
Clermont pair Parra and Lopez, who have 92 caps between them were replaced by young Toulouse duo Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack following the 8-44 defeat to England in the second round of the competition.
Wenceslas Lauret comes in for Yacouba Camara at blindside flanker, Gael Fickou moves from the wing to the centre as Geoffrey Doumayrou drops out of the matchday squad.
Thomas Romas makes his first Test start as fullback with Yoann Huget wearing the No.11 shirt.
Clermont prop loose-head Etienne Falgoux is set to make his international debut from the bench.
Les Bleus host Gregor Townsend’s Scots on Saturday looking to avoid a third straight defeat in this year’s tournament and an 11th loss in 14 games since Jacques Brunel was appointed coach in December 2017.
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Gaël Fickou, 11 Yoann Huget, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Arthur Iturria, 6 Wenceslas Lauret, 5 Félix Lambey, 4 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 3 Demba Bamba, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Jefferson Poirot.
Replacements: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Etienne Falgoux, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Paul Willemse, 20 Gregory Alldritt, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Anthony Belleau, 23 Maxime Médard.
Date: Saturday, February 23
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Kick-off: 15.15 (14.15 UK & Ireland time; 14.15 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Andrew Brace (Ireland)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)
AFP
