XV de France Unveils Lineup with Key Returns and Injury Replacement for Fiji Clash
Fabien Galthié announced France's lineup for their rugby match against Fiji, with key player returns and injury replacements shaping the squad.
Key details
- Fabien Galthié revealed the French squad for the Championship of Nations match against Fiji.
- Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack return as key starters, with Dupont as captain and Ntamack at fly-half.
- Oscar Jegou is ruled out due to a rib injury; Esteban Capilla is set to replace him and may debut.
- Starting XV includes Attissogbe, Grandidier-Nkanang, Moefana, and a strong forward pack.
- The match is scheduled for Saturday at 21:10 in Lyon with the final team announcement on Thursday morning.
On November 5, 2026, France's head coach Fabien Galthié announced the XV de France squad for the upcoming Championship of Nations match against Fiji, scheduled for Saturday at 21:10 in Lyon. The team selection features key playmakers Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack returning to the starting lineup as expected, with Dupont named captain and Ntamack positioned at fly-half.
The starting XV includes backs such as Attissogbe, Grandidier-Nkanang, Gourgues, Moefana, and Bielle-Biarrey, complemented by a strong forward pack with Boudehent, Cros, Woki, Guillard, and Verhaeghe. The front row comprises Falatea, Lamothe, and Gros. Substitutes include experienced players Mauvaka, Poirot, Montagne, Ollivon, Staniforth, Capilla, Lucu, and Gailleton.
However, Oscar Jegou, who was expected to take a place on the bench and earn his 16th cap, will miss the game due to a rib injury sustained during training. His absence has forced a change, with Esteban Capilla, a 23-year-old third-row forward from Bayonne, likely to step in. Capilla is poised to make his debut with the French national team and brings prior experience from the national rugby sevens, Under-20, and A teams.
Coach Galthié highlighted that injuries continue to affect squad selection this season, with Jegou's setback adding to the list. The final team announcement was confirmed as taking place Thursday morning. Fans eagerly await the match as France looks to assert dominance against Fiji in this pivotal Championship encounter.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Injury status of Oscar Jegou
Sources report conflicting information about Oscar Jegou's status for the match against Fiji.
sports.orange.fr
"The announced starting XV includes players such as Attissogbe, Grandidier-Nkanang, Gourgues, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey, with Dupont serving as captain and Ntamack in the fly-half position."
sports.orange.fr
"Oscar Jegou has been ruled out of the upcoming match against Fiji due to a rib injury."
Why this matters: One source states Jegou is ruled out due to injury, while the other does not mention him at all, implying he is still part of the lineup. This discrepancy affects understanding of the team's composition and injury issues ahead of the match.