France make forced forward changes for Six Nations clash against England
France have been forced to revamp their forward pack for Saturday’s crucial Six Nations title decider against England in Paris following key absences through injury and suspension.
Head coach Fabien Galthie is without Oscar Jegou, who begins a suspension for an eye-gouging incident involving Scotland’s Ewan Ashman.
Anthony Jelonch also misses out after failing to recover from a concussion.
The defending champions must secure a bonus-point victory in the final fixture to retain their tournament crown.
Debut for Matiu in reshuffled pack
Athletic Bordeaux Begles back-rower Temo Matiu has been handed his international debut to fill the void in the pack.
Charles Ollivon shifts from the second row to number eight to accommodate the tactical adjustments.
Toulouse clubmates Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou are paired together in the engine room.
There is also a forced alteration in the backline, with Pierre-Louis Barassi replacing the injured Nicolas Depoortere.
Barassi will partner Yoram Moefana in midfield for the high-stakes showdown.
Title hopes hang in the balance
Les Bleus saw their Grand Slam aspirations evaporate in round four following a heavy 50-40 defeat at Murrayfield.
They were beaten by the English at Twickenham last year, though the visitors have not won on French soil in their last four attempts.
The hosts will know exactly what is required by kick-off, with title rivals Ireland and Scotland meeting earlier on ‘Super Saturday’.
France team to face England
- Starting XV: Thomas Ramos; Theo Attissogbe, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (capt); Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Francois Cros, Temo Matiu, Charles Ollivon.
- Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Rodrigue Neti, Demba Bamba, Hugo Auradou, Mickael Guillard, Joshua Brennan, Baptiste Serin, Emilien Gailleton.
