Mickaël Guillard Withdraws from XV de France Squad Against Fiji, Pierre Bochaton Called Up
Mickaël Guillard withdraws from France's squad for the Fiji match, with Pierre Bochaton called up as replacement and potential lineup shifts under consideration.
- • Mickaël Guillard withdrew from the Fiji match after early substitution against South Africa.
- • Pierre Bochaton has been called up to replace Guillard in the squad.
- • The French Rugby Federation has not disclosed the reasons for Guillard's withdrawal.
- • Grégory Alldritt may return to the starting lineup following Guillard’s absence.
Key details
Mickaël Guillard has been declared unavailable for the upcoming match against Fiji following his early substitution in France’s recent loss to South Africa. Guillard exited just seven minutes into the second half at Stade de France, where the French team fell 17-32 to the world champions, despite an earlier strong performance and South Africa playing with 14 men after a red card. The French Rugby Federation confirmed Guillard's withdrawal but did not specify the reason. To fill the void, coach Fabien Galthié has called up Pierre Bochaton, who was part of a recent training camp in late October. Additionally, Grégory Alldritt, a reserve in the South Africa game, is expected to have increased involvement, potentially returning to the starting lineup as the team seeks to recover in their autumn tour. This squad reshuffle follows the setback against South Africa and demonstrates France's intent to adjust and build momentum against Fiji in their upcoming fixture.