France A Rugby Team Prepares for England Friendly with Youth Focus
The France A rugby team readies an experimental squad featuring many young talents for their upcoming friendly against England.
Key Points
- • Nolann Le Garrec and Antoine Hastoy lead an experimental squad against England.
- • 12 of 15 starters from the last Six Nations match are absent due to Top 14 semi-finals.
- • The match is critical for evaluating new players and allows for the introduction of 13 debutants.
- • Gaël Fickou captains the team, providing experience in a youthful lineup.
As the France A rugby team gears up for a friendly match against England at Twickenham on June 21, head coach Fabien Galthié is utilizing this opportunity to field a largely experimental squad due to the Top 14 semi-finals that are currently demanding the attention of many regular players. Notably, 12 of the 15 starters from France's last Six Nations match are unavailable for this encounter.
The starting lineup will see Nolann Le Garrec and Antoine Hastoy as the half-back duo, with Le Garrec, a 10-cap player, stepping into a leading role alongside Hastoy, who has been pivotal for La Rochelle in recent competitions. Galthié highlighted that the match presents a chance to discover new talent, noting, "It's a live discovery of the players," as 13 players in the squad have never worn the national jersey before, emphasizing the importance of this match not just for immediate performance but for future squad building.
Among the youthful faces, 21-year-old Emilien Gailleton will partner with experienced center Gaël Fickou, who has been appointed captain for this match, adding leadership to a side filled with debutants and emerging talents like Tyler Duguid and Baptiste Erdocio. Gailleton acknowledged the competitive spirit inherent in the match, stating, "Personally, I prepare it like an international match," despite its friendly status.
While the absence of seasoned players like Antoine Dupont poses a challenge, Galthié's strategy indicates a commitment to developing younger players, with the squad featuring returns from veterans such as Rabah Slimani, who last played for France six years ago. The match also provides a platform for established players to reinforce their roles amidst a fresh wave of talent.
With the intense rivalry between France and England set to play out even in a non-capped environment, both teams enter with a determination to assert their prowess on the field, making this an intriguing encounter for rugby fans. As both sides prepare, the upcoming match serves as a foundational step for France's broader ambitions ahead of their summer tour to New Zealand.