France's upcoming match against England XV presents an intriguing opportunity for head coach Fabien Galthié to experiment with his squad, particularly in the backline and pack. With a much-changed 28-man team, Galthié aims to assess a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, drawing heavily from the Bordeaux-Begles contingent's impressive performance in the Top 14 play-offs.
Backline Experimentation
The backline is a prime area for experimentation, with only Théo Attissogbe boasting Test caps from the initial group. This presents an opportunity for Galthié to broaden his options and assess other players' potential. One likely change is the inclusion of Toulon's Mathis Ferté at full-back, replacing Attissogbe on the wing. Castres' Christian Ambadiang is also in contention for a run-on spot, showcasing his impressive form this season.
Galthié's previous utilization of club connections in centre partnerships suggests a likely start for the UBB duo of Nicolas Depoortere and Yoram Moefana. This combination offers a balance of punch and power, along with game-breaking quality, a formula that has proven effective in recent Championships.
The half-back pairing is another area for experimentation, with La Rochelle's Antoine Hastoy and Nolann le Garrec in line to start. Both players have Test experience but are vying to prove their worth to Galthié, who has a plethora of talented options in their respective positions.
Pack Combinations
France's pack was a strength during the Six Nations, and Galthié may introduce new combinations within the starting group. The all-UBB front-row of Marko Gazzotti, Temo Matiu, and Pierre Bochaton seems likely, despite Mickaël Guillard's versatility at number eight. Their club understanding and Test caps make them a strong choice against England's Ben Earl and Tom Curry.
Mickaël Guillard, initially listed as a lock, is expected to start in the engine room, with Tom Staniforth as his likely partner. Boris Palu is set to take a spot on the bench. The existing club connections within the Bordeaux contingent are a significant advantage, adding power and size to the squad.
Returning loosehead prop Jefferson Poirot, in red-hot form after his Investec Champions Cup exploits, is likely to start, joined by clubmate Maxime Lamothe at hooker and Régis Montagne at tighthead.
Bench Options
Galthié may also consider deploying Barnabé Massa, Reda Wardi, and Emerick Setiano from the bench, providing versatility and depth to the team.
Conclusion
Galthié's experimental approach offers an intriguing insight into his strategic thinking and the potential future direction of the French national team. The match against England XV provides an opportunity to assess players' capabilities and develop a cohesive unit, with a focus on balance and depth across both the backline and pack.
