MATTHIEU JALIBERT WILL start at out-half in France’s final Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Australia this weekend, head coach Fabien Galthié announced on Thursday.
Jalibert, 24, stands in for the injured Romain Ntamack who will miss the tournament with a serious knee injury.
France are otherwise at roughly full strength in their starting XV, with their six-two split on the bench including La Rochelle back row Paul Boudehent who offers cover as a forward-back hybrid.
Les Bleus host three-time winners New Zealand in the World Cup opener on 8 September.
France (v Australia)
- 15. Thomas Ramos
- 14. Damian Penaud
- 13. Gael Fickou
- 12. Jonathan Danty
- 11. Gabin Villiere
- 10. Matthieu Jalibert
- 9. Antoine Dupont (captain)
- 1. Jean-Baptiste Gros
- 2. Julien Marchand
- 3. Uini Atonio
- 4. Thibaud Flament
- 5. Paul Willemse
- 6. Francois Cros
- 7. Charles Ollivon
- 8. Gregory Alldritt
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Replacements:
- 16. Peato Mauvaka
- 17. Sebastien Taofifenua
- 18. Dorian Aldegheri
- 19. Romain Taofifenua
- 20. Cameron Woki
- 21. Paul Boudehent
- 22. Baptiste Couilloud
- 23. Melvyn Jaminet
This was his third time to be caught regarding doping…It shouldn’t have taken 3 times before they banned him! How many races has he won between bans whilst being doped up?
Lifetime ban and every title taken from him is the only way to go!
Shock!
Chemists on bikes those cyclists