Four changes for France as Galthie names team to host All Blacks

France head into the Autumn Nations Series having yet to settle on their strongest XV, but head coach Fabien Galthie has made a number of changes for their opening match against New Zealand on 5 November.

The biggest news is the return of half-back pairing Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, who missed the Six Nations triumph due to injury.

Galthie’s other changes are largely enforced due to injuries. With Julien Marchand out and Pierre Bourgarit suspended, Peato Mauvaka starts at hooker and Cyril Baille comes into the front row.

In the second row, Thibaud Flament replaces the injured Cameron Woki, while Grégory Alldritt is not riskead due to a minor knock. As a result, François Cros starts at blindside flanker.

The other change comes on the wing, where Damian Penaud replaces the injured Gabin Villiere.

France team to face New Zealand:

• 15. Thomas Ramos
• 14. Damian Penaud
• 13. Gaël Fickou
• 12. Jonathan Danty
• 11. Matthis Lebel
• 10. Romain Ntamack
• 9. Antoine Dupont (capt)
• 8. Anthony Jelonch
• 7. François Cros
• 6. Charles Ollivon
• 5. Thibaud Flament
• 4. Paul Willemse
• 3. Cyril Baille
• 2. Peato Mauvaka
• 1. Jean-Baptiste Gros

Replacements:

• 16. Teddy Baubigny
• 17. Sipili Falatea
• 18. Uini Atonio
• 19. Sébastien Vahaamahina
• 20. Baptiste Couilloud
• 21. Matthieu Jalibert
• 22. Yoram Moefana
• 23. Ethan Dumortier