François Cros, Digi Mart USA News (Lyon, France): Starting at number 8 against Fiji on Saturday evening, François Cros will return to a position he has occupied only on very rare occasions since the start of his professional career.
It is one of the surprises in the team announced by Fabien Galthié for the match against Fiji on Saturday evening at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon. Usually lined up on the side of the back row, Cros will this time play in the centre, flanked by Cameron Woki and Paul Boudehent.
The repositioning may seem minor for such an experienced player, but it is far from usual for the Toulouse player.
Cros has started only 17 matches at number 8 in his professional career, out of 206 starts, or just 8.3% of the matches he has started. His last start in that position dates back to February 25, 2024, when France drew 13-13 with Italy in the Six Nations.
It is also his only start at number 8 in the French jersey. At club level, his last appearance in that position goes back to spring 2023, notably in Champions Cup matches against the Sharks and Leinster.
This change comes as Fabien Galthié must manage several back-row absences, notably Anthony Jelonch and Lenni Nouchi. Grégory Alldritt, a specialist in the position, is among the players who will be in the stands.
The coach has therefore chosen to trust François Cros, whose defensive qualities, activity at the breakdown and reading of the game are considered important assets.
Patrick Arlettaz, the backs coach of the France team, said the demands of the position had evolved in recent years. “He will be the number 8 in the back, and he will play as François Cros does the rest of the time, that is what we expect,” he explained.
One important particularity remains: handling the ball behind the scrum, a responsibility the Toulouse player has rarely had to assume in recent seasons. Against Fiji, Cros will therefore have the opportunity to show he can provide the same assurances in the centre of the back row as in his usual positions.
