PARIS — Antoine Dupont makes his return as captain of the French rugby team as they kick off their autumn test series against Japan at Stade de France this Saturday.

He previously led France to victory at the Paris Olympics, where he scored twice in the gold medal match against Fiji. However, he also faced disappointment at the same venue when France lost a heart-wrenching quarterfinal match against South Africa by just one point in last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Dupont took a break to experience the world of sevens rugby and made a significant impact, finishing as a standout player. Now, he is back to lead Fabien Galthié’s squad, having made an impressive comeback at the club level with Toulouse, where he netted three quick tries after coming off the bench.
Right winger Damian Penaud aims to add to his record for the national team with a 37th international try. He has already accumulated five tries in six matches this season with his club, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, matching the performance of his teammate Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who will start on the left wing.
Galthié’s team showcases remarkable versatility throughout their roster.

Léo Barré earns his fifth cap as fullback, allowing Thomas Ramos to step into the flyhalf role alongside Dupont. On the other hand, Yoram Moefana joins the midfield alongside Émilien Gailleton, who is set to earn his fourth cap.
The French lineup boasts a significant try-scoring potential, highlighted by hooker Peato Mauvaka, who has amassed nine tries internationally, averaging over one try per four games.
Additionally, the substitutes include substantial threats with veteran players like flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert, seasoned center Gaël Fickou, and scrumhalf Maxime Lucu making up a strong bench with a 5-3 split among the backs.
After this opening match against the Brave Blossoms, France will continue their test series by hosting New Zealand and Argentina at the 80,000-capacity Stade de France.
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France: Léo Barré, Damian Penaud, Émilien Gailleton, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (captain); Grégory Alldritt, Alexandre Roumat, François Cros, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Tevita Tatafu, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros. Reserves: Reda Wardi, Julien Marchand, Georges-Henri Colombe, Mickaël Guillard, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, Gaël Fickou. ___