France make 8 changes to their XV to face Scotland, include Jalibert and Thomas

6:11am, 20 November 2020

Fabien Galthie has made eight changes to his XV for Sunday’s Autumn Nations Cup clash away to Scotland following the October 31 victory for France over Ireland which was enough to earn them a second place Six Nations finish.

France were due to open their Nations Cup campaign in Vannes last Sunday versus Fiji but that match was called off due to a virus outbreak amongst the Fijian squad before Galthie had unveiled his team selection for that game.

It means the reference point for the selection he is bringing with him to Murrayfield is the success against the Irish three weeks ago and he has decided to shake things up for a return to the scene of the defeat last March that derailed the France Grand Slam bid.

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There are three changes to the backline. Thomas Ramos comes in for Anthony Bouthier at full-back, Matthieu Jalibert will start at out-half in place of the absent Romain Ntamack while there is also a recall for Teddy Thomas whose inclusion on the wing sees Gael Fickou revert to midfield with Arthur Vincent dropping to the bench.

There are five changes to the pack from the 35-27 Stade de France win over Ireland, including a totally revamped front row. Jean-Baptiste Gros, Camille Chat and Demba Bamba take over from Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand and Mohamed Haouas who are all on the bench.

????????? Notre ?? ?? ??????? !
Voici la composition du #XVdeFrance pour la rencontre contre l’Écosse dimanche à Murrayfield !
Allez les Bleus ! ??#NeFaisonsXV pic.twitter.com/vyazMpu2Op
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) November 20, 2020

At lock, Romain Taofifenua will start in place of Paul Willemse, while Dylan Cretin gets the nod at blindside instead of Francois Cros. Meanwhile, Louis Carbonel is primed for a Test debut from the bench.

FRANCE (vs Scotland, Sunday): 15. Ramos; 14. Thomas, 13. Vakatawa, 12. Fickou, 11. Rattez; 10. Jalibert, 9. Dupont; 1. Gros, 2. Chat, 3, Bamba, 4. Le Roux, 5. Taofifenua, 6. Cretin, 7. Ollivon (capt), 8. Alldritt. Reps: 16. Marchand, 17. Baille, 18. Haouas, 19. Willemse, 20. Woki, 21. Couilloud, 22. Carbonel 23. Vincent.

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— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 20, 2020