Philippe Saint-André has named a strong line-up to take on Scotland in Paris on Saturday. Rory Kockott wins his first start at scrum-half, partnering Camille Lopez who had a strong autumn.
Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastareaud make a formidable and settled centre partnership, with pace and devil aplenty outside them in the form of Yoann Huget, Teddy Thomas and Scott Spedding.
Damien Chouly gets the nod at number eight, partnering Thierry Dusautoir and Bernard Le Roux in the back row. Yoann Maestri and Pascal Papé are the locks, while Toulon’s Guilhem Guirado and Alexandre Menini are joined by Stade Français tighthead Rabah Slimani in the front row.
France team to play Scotland:
15. Scott Spedding
14. Yoann Huget
13. Mathieu Bastareaud
12. Wesley Fofana
11. Teddy Thomas
10. Camille Lopez
9. Rory Kockott
8. Damien Chouly
7. Thierry Dusautoir (cap)
6. Bernard Le Roux
5. Yoann Maestri
4. Pascal Papé
3. Rabah Slimani
2. Guilhem Guirado
1. Alexandre Menini
Replacements: Ben Kayser, Uini Atonio, Eddy Ben Arous, Romain Taofifenua, Loann Goujon, Morgan Parra, Remi Tales, Remi Lamerat
3 replies on “Six Nations 2015: France team named to play Scotland”
Looks very strong on paper and if they turn up could be long afternoon for Scotland!
Indeed. Still largely underwhelmed by Bastareaud. Personally a fan of Fickou, but anyone with a bit more to their game than the big man. Last year when he was not taking the ball at pace he had nothing else to give. Chavency, Mermoz, even Rougerie?
Blimey. They must literally have a “strong bench”!