JACQUES BRUNEL HAS handed Wesley Fofana a start in his final Six Nations appearance as one of six changes as France look to finish a disappointing campaign with victory over Italy on Saturday [KO 12.30pm, Virgin Media One].
France travel to Rome with one win from their four matches, seeking to put a 26-14 defeat to Ireland last time out swiftly behind them.
Brunel’s side sit second bottom in the table ahead of the final round but cannot be caught by Italy, who are yet to get off the mark.
Four of France’s changes come in the pack, as Etienne Falgoux replaces Jefferson Poirot in the front row, Paul Willemse is preferred at lock to Sebastien Vahaamahina, while Gregory Alldritt and Yacouba Camara come into the back row.
Maxime Medard will slot in at full-back in place of Thomas Ramos, while Brunel prefers Fofana — who announced plans in January to retire from international rugby after this year’s World Cup — at inside centre.
France go into the clash having won 17 of their 19 Six Nations matches against Italy, including a 40-17 victory on their last visit to Stadio Olimpico in 2017.
France (v Italy):
15. Maxime Medard (Toulouse)
14. Damian Penaud (Clermont Auvergne)
13. Mathieu Bastareaud (Toulon)
12. Wesley Fofana (Clermont Auvergne)
11. Yoann Huget (Toulouse)
10. Romain Ntamack (Toulouse)
9. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse)
1. Etienne Falgoux (Clermont Auvergne)
2. Guilhem Guirado (Toulon — captain)
3. Demba Bamba (Brive)
4. Felix Lambey (Lyon)
5. Paul Willemse (Montpellier)
6. Gregory Alldritt (La Rochelle)
7. Yacouba Camara (Montpellier)
8. Louis Picamoles (Montpellier)
Replacements:
16. Camille Chat (Racing 92)
17. Dany Priso (La Rochelle)
18. Dorian Aldegheri (Toulouse)
19. Paul Gabrillagues (Stade Francais)
20. Arthur Iturria (Clermont Auvergne)
21. Baptiste Serin (Bordeaux Bègles)
22. Camille Lopez (Clermont Auvergne)
23. Thomas Ramos (Toulouse)
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Barry Daly was particularly unlucky with injuries. A very effective try-scorer.
@Glenbower: would he be worth a shot by Connacht? Seriously depleted in the back 3
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: yes I think he’s a class player annoyed that leinster did not keep was extremely sharp before his injury.
@hypebeast: Totally agree. Great skillset and excellent finisher; I don’t remember him ever making a significant mistake. I prefer him to Kelleher in the back 3. He’d be a very good addition to the Connacht squad.
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: I have a feeling he may be retiring due to injuries
Sad to see Barry Daly is leaving
That’s remarkable work
New contracts for Leavy, connors and VDF…..
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Maybe now that will put to bed any notions of other provinces scrounging around looking for one of them!
That’s a great mornings business. Delighted Fardy is getting another contract. He brings so much to Leinster. Great to see all the 7’s staying too though Leo has some selection headaches now.
@Kevin: Great to see Fardy stay. A real leader. We might see him in a coaching role in 2 years. 5 players promoted from the academy is a great return also.
Great bit of business, always good to see the academy lads getting senior contracts. Nice to see all the 7s are staying as well as Fardy.
Gutted for Barry Daly. Fastest man in the squad and hugely prolific scorer. Desperately unlucky with injuries, it’s such a shame. Schmidt even had called him into camp at one point.
Any of these players interested in a move West, Connacht getting weaker each year since 2016.
@Pretty Ladee: 2 of the players leaving are going west.
@Chris Mc: connacht need proven professionals not kids,
@Pretty Ladee: didn’t qualify for the Heineken cup 2 years in a row and followed that up by qualifying the next 2 years in a row, doesnt really sound like a decline ?
@Kohn Jeenan: look at this years departures, compared to signings, hardly an achievement qualifying for the heineken cup
@Pretty Ladee: there’s hardly a single player to come through the leinster academy that’s not ready for the pro 14
@Pretty Ladee: we’ve qualified on our own merit for the Heineken cup maybe a few times ever so I’m not sure how you can say it’s not an achievement, departures is kind of worrying but have to presume there’s some plan
@Pretty Ladee: Aungier is a gem of a player and a big loss to Leinster. He will soon be a favourate in the Sportsground
With Joe Tomane departing, I presume Leinster have room to sign another non Irish player, obviously not possible with the current economic situation.
Amazing to think that with Leinster’s academy, they will need nor miss this opportunity!
@Conor Mulloy: a none irish loose head might be the only requirement as healy will be away and is not getting any younger. Saying that it’s a great opportunity for the younger lads to step up.
@Chris Mc: A NIQ loosehead is a good shout. That said, Dooley had upped his game pre-COVID19 and was playing very well.
@Carmine Lorenzo: agree Dooley has stepped up but say going into a HC final and healy was injured dooley and Byrne doesn’t sound as good as healy and mcgrath
@Chris Mc: Nope it definitely does not, a certain drop off there. I guess we’ll find out soon enough whether Milne has what it takes.
@Carmine Lorenzo: if Leo trusts dooley Byrne and milne that’ll do for me.
Def jealous of that
Fantastic strength in depth and who would not want to sign on when the team is on the crest of a wave
Yeah v disappointed for Daly, He’s a VG player when fit
Great business by leinster selection ain’t easy delighted for Vardy
Are we becoming very forward heavy compared to backs. (with ferg and Rob) added to the list that moved on today