PARIS — France’s key player Gregory Alldritt is set to miss the team’s last match in the autumn nations series.
The French number eight was not selected in the squad announced by coach Fabien Galthie on Wednesday for the upcoming clash against Argentina this Friday at Stade de France.
As France aims to conclude their successful campaign with a strong performance against the Pumas, they will look to continue their momentum following impressive victories over Japan and New Zealand.
Alldritt, who has represented France 51 times, started both matches against Japan and New Zealand but was replaced after 48 minutes in the game against the All Blacks.
Charles Ollivon will take on the starting role in Alldritt’s absence.
Additionally, Galthie made the decision to omit Romain Buros, who was anticipated to start as fullback, instead opting for Leo Barre in that position.
Galthie stated that Buros had not fully recuperated from a thigh injury and informed the coaching staff of his lack of fitness following Tuesday’s training session with his teammates.
“We couldn’t wait until Thursday, we had to make a decision, and it was Romain who made it. And Leo Barre is ready,” Galthie commented while expressing confidence in his halfback duo of Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos.
Among the reserves, number eight Marko Gazzotti has been included and is a strong candidate to earn his first international cap.
The last encounter between France and Argentina resulted in a 33-25 defeat for France back in July.
Argentina’s coach, Felipe Contepomi, has only made one alteration to his starting lineup following the narrow 22-19 loss to Ireland, bringing in Gonzalo García at scrumhalf.
The final squads are as follows:
France: Leo Barre, Gabin Villiere, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont, Charles Ollivon, Paul Boudehent, Francois Cros, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros. Reserves: Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Georges-Henri Colombe, Alexandre Roumat, Mickael Guillard, Marko Gazzotti, Nolann Le Garrec, Emilien Gailleton.
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Matias Moroni, Bautista Delguy, Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Garcia, Joaquin Oviedo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Pablo Matera, Pedro Rubiolo, Guido Petti, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya, Thomas Gallo. Reserves: Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Franco Molina, Marcos Kremer, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Santiago Carreras, Mateo Carreras.