France vs Fiji rugby test preview, Digi Mart USA News (France): Rugby is at its best under the lights, and this prime-time meeting between France and Fiji arrives at a useful moment. France top their Northern group ahead of the match and a trophy will be awarded on November 28 in London, giving every result added weight in the Nations Championship.
France, however, are missing fifteen key players through injury. Head coach Fabien Galthié has said he is building “a France team with survivors,” a blunt description of a squad stretched by absences.
Fiji are not a team to underestimate. In last year’s match in Bordeaux, France won 34-21, but Anthony Jelonch admitted afterward that the team had not expected such physical opposition.
Fiji’s forwards, the source says, combine size with a relentless style of play.
Fiji have also changed their leadership. Jake White, who guided South Africa to the 2007 World Cup, was appointed national coach on October 13.
Simon Raiwalui, a former Fiji second-row and head coach, has questioned White’s early remarks about the commitment of Fiji’s players, noting that players in European club rugby are paid far more than they earn with the national team.
For France, the back line is built around the Dupont-Ntamack halfback partnership, with Paul Boudehent, François Cros and Mickaël Guillard in the pack. Esteban Capilla is set to earn his first cap.
Without Ramos and Jalibert, the match will be played in Lyon, where Ntamack will be the sole playmaker. Patrick Arlettaz, France’s attack coach, has promised only “minor adjustments” to the attacking plan.
Focus remains on Fiji for now. Coaches and players at Marcoussis have said they are not yet thinking about South Africa, who arrive at the Stade de France six days later, but the Springboks, four-time world champions, are already on the horizon.
