Le Roux returns for France's Six Nations decider
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Bernard Le Roux returns to France’s starting side in five changes for this week’s Six Nations decider with Scotland in Paris, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Wednesday.
The hosts will lift their first trophy since 2010 by scoring four tries or more in a victory of over 20 points on Friday.
If Les Bleus fail then Wales, who lost at the Stade de France last Saturday, will win the title.
Le Roux missed two games with a thigh injury and replaces Romain Taofifenua in a new-look second-row with Swann Rebbadj starting instead of the banned Paul Willemse.
Castres’ Anthony Jelonch comes in for Dylan Cretin at openside flank.
A huge match ahead this Friday.
Here’s what happened the last time they met in the Guinness Six Nations. pic.twitter.com/5YXZazlNXo
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 23, 2021
Among the backs, flyhalf Romain Ntamack is in with Matthieu Jalibert out with a face injury while centre Arthur Vincent replaces Teddy Thomas with Gael Fickou moving to the wing.
France: 15 Brice Dulin; 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Arthur Vincent, 11 Gael Fickou; 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont; 8 Gregory Alldritt; 7 Charles Ollivon (captain), 6 Anthony Jelonch; 5 Swann Rebbadj, 4 Bernard Le Roux; 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Julian Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Dylan Cretin, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Anthony Bouthier, 23 Teddy Thomas
Date: Friday, March 26
Venue: Stade France, Paris
Kick-off: 21.00 (20.00 UK, 20.00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referee: Matthew Carley (England) & Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Tom Foley (England)
