The French XV are gearing up for their match against Italy this Sunday at 4 p.m., aiming to reverse the dynamic of their previous games. Despite the tough victory they managed to secure against Scotland with a 16-20 score on February 10 during the 2nd day of the Six Nations Tournament, the staff led by Fabien Galthié are not planning any significant changes in their game plan. The match sheet for this game is due to be revealed at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 23.
The anticipated line-up for the French team includes Perpignan second row Posolo Tuilagi from the get-go, replacing Stade Français captain Paul Gabrillagues. This move will allow Tuilagi, the 19-year-old giant who was U20 world champion in the summer of 2023, to make his first start, joining Cameron Woki, another player who was part of the victorious team at Murrayfield.
In the wake of Grégory Alldritt’s withdrawal following his evacuation on a stretcher during the Scotland game, Rochelais Paul Boudehent is likely to be chosen as the third wing line. François Cros and Charles Ollivon, who captained the team in Alldritt’s absence, are expected to be part of the team again, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The same goes for the first line and the three-quarter line. These two adjustments in the team line-up against Italy – one necessitated by injury and the other a strategic decision – might just give the French team, currently 4th in the ranking, the edge they need to secure their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The anticipated composition of the French XV against Italy is as follows:
Ramos – Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Jalibert, (m) Lucu – Ollivon (cap.), Cros, Boudehent – Tuilagi, Woki – Atonio, Mauvaka, Baille.
The substitutes are expected to be: Marchand, S. Taofifenua, Aldegheri, R. Taofifenua, Roumat, Abadie, Le Garrec, Moefana.
