France vs Fiji rugby team selection, Digi Mart USA News (Lyon, France): Three days before France hosts Fiji in Lyon, Fabien Galthié appears to have settled his final selections. Returning to training on Wednesday, Paul Boudehent is expected to start the match, while Tom Staniforth could be preferred to Hugo Auradou among the replacements.
Rested on Tuesday due to back discomfort, Paul Boudehent took part normally in the collective session held Wednesday at Marcoussis, according to Midi Olympique. The Stade Rochelais flanker is expected to keep his place Saturday against Fiji, alongside Cameron Woki and François Cros, who is expected at number 8.
This is good news for Galthié, who already faces around twenty absences for this first fixture of the Nations Championship.
The biggest surprise could come on the bench. Although Hugo Auradou appeared to have the advantage on Tuesday, Tom Staniforth reportedly now has the staff’s favor.
The Castres Olympique lock, recently made eligible to play for France, could earn his first cap against Fiji. This choice would give France a particularly powerful profile in the physical battle against a Fijian side known for its physical commitment.
Galthié is also expected to favor a bench of six forwards and two three-quarters. Alongside Staniforth, Oscar Jegou, Charles Ollivon and Jefferson Poirot are among the players likely to be included.
The official France lineup will be announced Thursday at 10 a.m., two days before the match scheduled for Saturday evening in Lyon.
Probable starting XV: 15. Attissogbe; 14.
Grandidier-Nkanang, 13. Gourgues, 12.
Moefana, 11. Bielle-Biarrey; 10.
Ntamack, 9. Dupont (c); 8.
Cros, 7. Woki, 6.
Boudehent; 5. Guillard, 4.
Verhaeghe; 3. Falatea, 2.
Lamothe, 1. Gros.
Finishers: 16. Mauvaka, 17.
Poirot, 18. Montagne, 19.
Staniforth, 20. Ollivon, 21.
Jegou, 22. Lucu, 23.
Gailleton.
