France rugby team Fiji match lineup change, Digi Mart USA News (Lyon, France): Fabien Galthié is preparing several important choices ahead of Saturday night’s match against Fiji in Lyon. The official France squad is due to be announced Thursday morning, and an unprecedented back-row combination is taking shape with François Cros at number 8, flanked by Paul Boudehent and Cameron Woki.
The combination could leave Grégory Alldritt on the substitutes’ bench. With Anthony Jelonch absent and Lenni Nouchi injured, the French coaching staff must rework its back-row organization.
Patrick Arlettaz, the French attack coach, does not appear particularly concerned by the new setup.
François Cros at number 8, an unusual choice
François Cros, a regular in Fabien Galthié’s squad, is expected to return to the starting lineup against Fiji. This time, however, the 32-year-old Toulouse player may play in a position he knows far less well: blindside flanker in the centre of the back row.
He is usually used on the wings of the back row, and the 44-cap player has worn the number 8 shirt only 19 times in more than 250 matches of his career.
With France, he has started at that position only once, in the 13-13 draw against Italy during the 2024 Six Nations. Still, the French staff does not appear worried by the situation.
Arlettaz believes the demands of the role have changed considerably in recent years: “The role of the number 8 has changed a lot in recent years, it is no longer a specific position.”
According to the coach, Cros’s experience should help him handle the particular responsibilities of the number 8 at the scrum. He said the Toulouse player will be able to keep his usual game: “He will be the number 8 at the back, and he will play like François Cros the rest of the time, that is what we expect.”
Grégory Alldritt could start on the bench
The repositioning comes as several usual options are unavailable or no longer seem to be priorities for the coach. Anthony Jelonch is absent, Lenni Nouchi is injured, and Mickaël Guillard is now being used in the second row.
Grégory Alldritt, long a fixture at number 8, is expected to begin the match among the replacements.
François Cros therefore appears to be the preferred option to occupy the centre of the back row. It is a particular choice, since the Toulouse player stands out more for his defensive activity, his work in contact zones and his game intelligence than for his power in carrying the ball.
Paul Boudehent returns against Fiji after injury
Alongside François Cros, Paul Boudehent is expected to return to the starting lineup. The La Rochelle flanker has not worn the France jersey since a knee injury suffered a year ago, precisely against Fiji.
After playing an important role in Fabien Galthié’s plans during the 2024 and 2025 Six Nations, he was slowed by several physical problems and less convincing club performances. His return was slightly disrupted this week: after a minor back issue, he missed Tuesday’s training session before rejoining his teammates on Wednesday.
With his power and ability to advance through contact, he is expected to be the main ball carrier in this back row.
Cameron Woki back in the back row five years on
The third player expected in this combination is Cameron Woki. The Union Bordeaux-Bègles player is expected to regain a starting place in the back row for France for the first time in five years.
The reward is well earned for a player who turns 28 on Saturday. After a difficult spell at Racing 92, Woki has returned to an excellent level since his return to Bordeaux-Bègles, where he took part in the club’s European title success.
His mobility, aerial ability and activity in open spaces are considered useful assets for the French staff. Arlettaz had noted his progress: “He is a very accentuated profile, a very aerial player who devours space.
He had to do like Robert Pires, build up his game, and that is what he did.” Woki could also provide an additional option at the lineout, alongside second-row players Florian Verhaeghe and Hugo Auradou, who are competing for a starting place.
With Cros, Boudehent and Woki, France could field a back row combining experience, power and mobility to challenge Fiji on Saturday night.
