Florian Verhaeghe France rugby Fiji Championnat des nations, Digi Mart USA News (Lyon, France): Montpellier second-row Florian Verhaeghe is expected to start for France against Fiji on Saturday night in Lyon in the Championnat des nations, according to RMC Sport. He would wear the number 4 jersey, just days after joining the squad.
Verhaeghe was not included in the first list of 42 players called up last week because of a psoas injury. According to RMC Sport’s information, he was fit to play for Montpellier against Castres Olympique in the Top 14 on Sunday, but was rested at the request of the France coaching staff, which is counting on him for the starting lineup.
He is expected to replace the injured Thibaud Flament and partner Mickaël Guillard in the second row. That choice could leave Pau’s Hugo Auradou out of the matchday squad, with Charles Ollivon among the replacements at training on Monday.
Another likely change is the return of right prop Régis Montagne, who recovered from a calf injury and rejoined the France group on Sunday. He is expected to be on the bench on Saturday, replacing Sipili Falatea.
There is some uncertainty in the back row around Paul Boudehent. The La Rochelle player was rested in the morning but was at the edge of the pitch to watch the session.
Bayonne’s Esteban Capilla wore the number 6 shirt alongside François Cros and Cameron Woki.
The probable lineup is: Gros, Lamothe, Falatea; Verhaeghe, Guillard; Boudehent (or Capilla), Woki, Cros; Dupont, Ntamack; Bielle-Biarrey, Moefana, Gourgues, Grandidier, Nkanang; Attissogbe.
