For the big return of their captain Antoine Dupont, the Blues will face Japan with a team where the young people are highlighted by Fabien Galthié. This is the case of Tevita Tatafu (22 years old), right pillar of Aviron bayonnais, selected for the first time in place of Uini Atonio, or of center Émilien Gailleton (21 years old). The absence of certain executives like Charles Ollivon (not selected in the group of 23) or Gaël Fickou (on the substitutes’ bench) will give the team a new face for this first test match.
This first match of the autumn tour is within the reach of the players of the XV of France, while everyone already has in mind the upcoming clash against the All Blacks (November 16, still at the Stade de France), before the reception of Argentina (November 22). A victory against the Japanese would best prepare for the meeting with the New Zealanders.
The test match between France and Japan will kick off this Saturday, November 9 at 9:10 p.m. at the Stade de France. The meeting can be followed on TF1.
