France squad selections for New Zealand clash
Fabien Galthié has revealed the France line-up for their inaugural Nations Championship match against New Zealand. The selection includes several notable inclusions and returns, marking a significant moment for the team as they prepare for the fixture.
Among the selections, Max Spring, a 25-year-old full-back, is set to make a rare appearance for France, donning the blue jersey for the first time since 2022. His previous outings included an uncapped match against the Barbarians and a Test match against Japan. Spring’s inclusion follows strong performances for Racing 92 this season.
Damian Penaud, a highly experienced player, will join Spring in the back three. Penaud returns to the squad after being omitted from the recent Six Nations campaign. Théo Attissogbé maintains his position on the left wing, completing the back three.
The midfield will feature the combination of Yoram Moefana and Fabien Brau-Boirie. In the half-back positions, Bordeaux-Begles players Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lucu are expected to leverage their club partnership at the international level.
Forwards and bench inclusions
The forward pack sees a youthful back-row composed of Pierre Bochaton, Oscar Jégou, and Marko Gazzotti. Australian-born lock Tom Staniforth, aged 31, is slated to make his debut after his performance against England A in June. He will be joined in the second-row by Hugo Auradou. The front-row consists of Demba Bamba, Maxime Lamothe, and Jefferson Poirot, who is ending a six-year international absence.
The bench features several fresh faces and returning players. Young hooker Barnabé Massa is set to make his debut, with Reda Wardi and Régis Montagne providing support at the front of the scrum. Mickaël Guillard returns to the squad to contribute in the second-row. Killian Tixeront also makes a return to the national squad. The backline replacements include Nolan Le Garrec, Antoine Hastoy, and Nicolas Depoortere.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, 4 July, 2026, at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. Kick-off is set for 19:10 local time.
All Blacks coach on France’s evolving playstyle
All Blacks defence coach Tana Umaga has commented on France’s current playing style, noting a significant evolution since his own time playing in France. Umaga credits Fabien Galthié for his role in this transformation, which has seen Les Bleus regain their status as a global rugby powerhouse.
Umaga observed France’s performance in the recent Six Nations tournament, where they consistently scored points, averaging over 42 points per game and securing bonus points for tries in four of their five victories. He also highlighted the attacking prowess of Bordeaux during their successful Champions Cup campaign, suggesting that Galthié’s team will present a considerable challenge in Christchurch.
According to Umaga, France has rediscovered their distinctive flair, demonstrating a willingness to attack from all areas of the field and actively seeking opportunities to score. He noted that while Bordeaux did not reach the Top 14 final, they were champions of the European Cup, indicating the presence of experienced players and strong combinations within the French setup.
Umaga contrasted the current French style with the more combative and kicking-focused game he experienced during his playing days in France. He believes that Galthié’s influence has been instrumental in developing young players through systems that encourage keeping the ball alive and creating space. This approach, Umaga suggests, reflects a return to their traditional identity, making them a consistent and exciting team to watch, and a significant challenge for the All Blacks.
The officiating team for the match will include referee Luke Pearce from the RFU, with assistant referees Christophe Ridley (RFU) and Katsuki Furuse (JRFU). The Television Match Official (TMO) will be Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU), and the Foul Play Review Official (FPRO) will be Ben Whitehouse (WRU). The match is scheduled for Saturday, 4 July, 2026.
Source: planetrugby.com
