France Seeks Redemption in Rome, Introduces Tactical Innovation
After suffering a frustrating defeat at Twickenham against England, the French XV is seeking redemption in their upcoming match against Italy in Rome as part of the Six Nations Tournament. To this end, head coach Fabien Galthié and his assistants have made four changes to the team lineup, including one positional shift.
Ramos Returns to Fly-Half
One of the most significant changes is the return of Thomas Ramos (Toulouse) to the fly-half position. Ramos, who is usually an arrière, had excelled in this role during the November matches. With the return of Léo Barré (Stade Français Paris) at arrière, the coaching staff has opted to move Ramos up to 10, sidelining Matthieu Jalibert, who has faced criticism for his performance against the English. This is a further setback for the Girondin fly-half, who now ranks third in the position hierarchy behind Romain Ntamack (serving his final suspension) and Thomas Ramos. Jalibert, citing illness, left Marcoussis on Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether he will play for UBB against Clermont in the Top 14 on Sunday evening.
Penaud Benched, Attissogbe Steps In
Another player deemed underwhelming at Twickenham, star winger Damian Penaud (UBB), has also been omitted for the trip to Rome. In his place, Théo Attissogbe (Pau), who scored a double against Wales, will make his starting debut on the wing at the Stadio Olimpico.
Guillard Replaces Ill Maefou
A change in the pack has also been made: Emmanuel Maefou is out due to illness, and Mickaël Guillard (Lyon) will start in the second row alongside Thibaud Flament, a regular starter who returns to the lineup after recovering from a muscle injury.
Tactical Innovation: 7-1 Bench
The most notable feature of the team composition, however, is the decision to have a 7-1 bench, consisting of seven forwards and only one back (Maxime Lucu, preferred over Nolann Le Garrec). This tactical innovation, pioneered by the Springboks before the last World Cup in France and known as the "bomb squad," will be employed by the French team for the first time. The plan is to bring in an almost entirely new pack around the 50-minute mark.
Paul Boudehent, a starter at flanker, explained the rationale behind this move: "The main idea is to tell ourselves that we’ll give our all for 50 minutes, and then we have seven guys coming on. It’s a bit reassuring in a way."
However, the coaching staff may have to make unprecedented (and potentially risky) choices if two backs were to go down. One option being considered is to shift Oscor Jegou, typically a flanker, to center. This Sunday, Yoram Moefana and Paul Barassi will play together at center for the third time in this 2025 Six Nations Tournament.
No More Sacred Cows
One thing that is becoming increasingly clear is that under Fabien Galthié and his assistants, there are no longer any truly untouchable players (with a few exceptions: Dupont, Alldritt, Flament, Atonio). "For several months now, we’ve been taking into account the performances and fitness of the players," acknowledged Laurent Sempéré, assistant coach in charge of the French forwards. "That’s what’s dictating our choices. Changes, yes, but no rupture. There’s continuity in our method."
Revenge Against Italy
While the French team is aiming for revenge after the setback in England, they also have a score to settle with the Italians, who forced them to a 13-13 draw in Lille last year and could have snatched victory had Paolo Garbisi’s penalty not been rushed and missed at the last moment.
The Italian national team, after achieving their best Six Nations in history in 2024 (two wins, one draw), is still hungry for more. "We want to beat France," declared the Italian scrum-half Martin Page-Relo, who is familiar with French rugby, having been born in the Gers region and started his career in Toulouse before signing with Lyon.
French Team Composition:
- Barré
- Attissogbe, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey
- (Fly-Half) Ramos
- (Scrum-Half) Dupont (Captain)
- Boudehent, Alldritt, Cros
- Guillard, Flament
- Atonio, Mauvaka, Gros
Substitutes:
- Marchand, Baille, Aldegheri, R. Taofifenua, Roumat, Jelonch, Jegou, Lucu
Reserves:
- Barlot, Slimani, Le Garrec, Berdeu, Gailleton
