France Six Nations squad Champions Cup Springboks 42-player list, Digi Mart USA News: France’s coaching staff named a list of 42 players shortly after the team’s victory over Fiji in the opening match of the autumn leg of the Nations Championship, shortly before 1 a.m. The squad will prepare for the major fixture against South Africa on Friday evening at the Stade de France.
As expected, and revealed moments earlier by head coach Fabien Galthié, Romain Ntamack has been ruled out for the rest of the competition. The Toulouse fly-half therefore leaves the group, as does Oscar Jegou.
Jegou was injured in the hamstrings in training last Wednesday and was ultimately unable to take part in the Lyon match. He will also miss the contest against the double world champions.
Nicolas Depoortere and Damian Penaud of Bordeaux were not recalled, nor were Charles Kante Samba of La Rochelle, Théo Forner of Perpignan or Léon Darricarrère of Clermont.
Several notable returns stand out among the newcomers. Hooker Julien Marchand, who had recently suffered a hamstring injury and missed the start of the gathering, returned to action with Toulouse against Clermont on Saturday and played excellently.
His performance reassured the coaching staff, who decided to select him. He could even rely on his physical presence against the Springboks.
Fly-half Louis Carbonel also returns, benefiting from the shortage at his position, with Jalibert, Ntamack, Hastoy and Ramos all injured. His last cap dates back to July 2021, and he now receives a new opportunity with the France squad.
The same applies to winger Teddy Thomas, who has been in strong form with Toulouse for over a season and returns to Marcoussis at age 33.
Another experienced player, Gaël Fickou with 98 caps, has also been recalled. His Toulon teammate Gaël Dréan, who made a notable comeback this weekend after several months out due to a heart problem, will join him.
Finally, Pau’s Loïc Credoz and Grégoire Arfeuil will also be in the group to prepare for this second November match.
