Paris – The French national rugby team is bracing for a significant shakeup to its starting lineup as they prepare to face England in a pivotal match of the Six Nations tournament on Saturday at the Stade de France. Coming off a disappointing 50-40 loss to Scotland last weekend, head coach Fabien Galthié is expected to announce his squad on Thursday morning, with changes anticipated in the second row and at center.
The atmosphere at the Centre National de Rugby (CNR) in Marcoussis was intense on Wednesday as players trained under rainy conditions, signaling the high stakes of the upcoming match. The defeat to Scotland, France’s first of the tournament, has put considerable pressure on Les Bleus as they aim to salvage their Six Nations campaign.
Jegou’s Disciplinary Hearing Looms Large
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team is the disciplinary hearing facing third-row forward Oscar Jegou. Jegou is accused of a “fouling” incident – specifically, a finger to the eye – during the match against Scotland. He attended training Wednesday but trained separately from the main group although awaiting the outcome of a virtual hearing scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. A suspension ranging from 12 to 208 weeks is possible if the independent disciplinary committee finds the act intentional. This potential absence has already prompted a shift in personnel.
Jelonch to Replace Jegou, Ollivon Shifts to Flanker
Anthony Jelonch is expected to fill the No. 7 shirt vacated by Jegou, partnering with François Cros and Charles Ollivon. Notably, Ollivon will be repositioned from his usual blindside flanker role to the No. 8 position. This tactical adjustment suggests Galthié is seeking to bolster the team’s physicality and ball-carrying ability in the back row.
Second Row Changes Expected
Further changes are anticipated in the second row, where Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament are poised to earn starting spots. This move could provide increased power and height to the French pack, crucial elements in challenging the English forwards. The front row, although, is expected to remain unchanged, featuring Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand, and Dorian Aldegheri.
Barassi to Fill Depoortere’s Spot at Center
In the backs, the only anticipated change comes at inside center. With Nicolas Depoortere sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Pierre-Louis Barassi is likely to partner with Yoram Moefana in the midfield. The established half-back pairing of Antoine Dupont and Romain Jalibert, along with fullback Thomas Ramos and wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Théo Attissogbe, are expected to retain their places in the starting lineup.
Probable Starting XV for France vs. England
Ramos – Attissogbe, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey – (o) Jalibert, (m) Dupont (cap.) – Jelonch, Ollivon, Cros – Meafou, Flament – Aldegheri, Marchand, Gros.
Replacements
Mauvaka, Neti, Bamba, Auradou, Guillard, Nouchi, Serin, Gailleton.
This selection represents a response to the challenges exposed during the Scotland match, and a clear signal from Galthié that he is willing to craft bold changes to reignite his team’s campaign. The Stade de France is set to host a highly anticipated contest, with both France and England eager to secure a victory and maintain their hopes in the Six Nations championship.
The match on Saturday evening will be a crucial test for France, not only in terms of their Six Nations ambitions but also as a statement of intent ahead of future international competitions. The tactical adjustments and personnel changes implemented by Galthié will be closely scrutinized as Les Bleus aim to return to winning form.
Fans can expect a fierce battle at the breakdown, with both teams boasting formidable back-row units. The duel between the French and English packs will be a key indicator of which side can gain dominance and control the tempo of the game. The outcome of this match could extremely well determine the fate of the Six Nations title.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the French team is the match against England at 9:10 PM UTC on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France.
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