Saint-Andre hits the panic button
Coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Monday made six changes to his squad to take on Wales for the final day of the Six Nations tournament in Cardiff.
The changes for this Saturday’s game follow the shattering 22-24 loss to England at the Stade de France on Sunday, a result that wrecked French hopes of successfully defending the title they won last year.
In come lock Julien Pierre, flank Fulgence Ouedraogo, scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili, centre Florian Fritz, wing Alexis Palisson and fullback Jean-Marcellin Buttin, who at 20 is called up to the international squad for the first time.
Paying the price of the loss to the English are lock and former skipper Lionel Nallet, scrumhalf Julien Dupuy, centre Maxime Mermoz and wing Julien Malzieu, while wing Vincent Clerc was not considered due to injury.
“It’s sort of a page that’s turning,” said Saint-Andre.
“We would have liked for the veterans to have an exceptional jubilee Saturday in Cardiff. This isn’t the case.
“I wanted to really thank Lionel Nallet regarding his spirit, his professionalism.
“I was lucky to coach him at Bourgoin and again in the France team. He knew that we had a sort of a deal together – if we played a final at Cardiff, he would have continued the adventure. Unfortunately the adventure finishes here.
“The younger players learned a lot from him from his commitment to the group and his professionalism as a first team player and substitute.”
The starting line-up will be named on Thursday.
French squad:
Forwards: David Attoub, Vincent Debaty, Nicolas Mas, Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Dimitri Szarzewski, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Papé, Julien Pierre, Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles, Thierry Dusautoir (captain).
Backs: Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, Lionel Beauxis, François Trinh-Duc, Jean-Marcellin Buttin, Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz, Alexis Palisson, Clément Poitrenaud, Aurélien Rougerie.
Date: Saturday, March 17
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14.45 (14.45 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Iain Ramage (Scotland)
AFP
