PARIS — Romain Buros, the Bordeaux fullback, is set to make his test debut for the French national rugby team as they prepare to take on New Zealand at Stade de France this Saturday. This match marks one of four adjustments to the squad that previously triumphed over Japan.

Buros steps in for Leo Barré, while Gabin Villière is named to start on the right wing, filling the gap left by Damian Penaud, who is sidelined due to illness. Additionally, Théo Attissogbe, who would have replaced Penaud, is also unavailable due to a sprained left ankle. The experienced center, Gaël Fickou, returns to the midfield in what will be his 92nd appearance, and he’ll partner with Yoram Moefana, pushing Émilien Gailleton to the bench.

In the forwards, there’s one change as Paul Boudehent, who scored twice in the second half against Japan, takes over from the injured François Cros at the flanker position. Meanwhile, Thomas Ramos retains his place at flyhalf, working closely with star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. This past Saturday, Les Tricolores showcased a dominant performance, scoring eight tries without needing Dupont’s scoring prowess.

On the back row, Thibaud Flament has recovered from a knee injury sustained in the previous match and will join Alexandre Roumat and No. 8 Grégory Alldritt. The bench this week features a 6-2 split, with former captain Charles Ollivon making a return after initially being left out against Japan. Scrumhalf Maxime Lucu and flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert have been omitted, allowing scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec to join Gailleton on the reserves.

Previously, France faced New Zealand in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup, where France claimed a 27-13 victory with Jalibert starting. The All Blacks, however, reached the final at Stade de France before losing to South Africa. More recently, New Zealand narrowly defeated England 24-22 at Twickenham and also secured a win against Ireland, finishing 23-13 in Dublin last Friday.

Looking ahead, France will return to their home ground next Friday to wrap up their autumn campaign against Argentina.

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France: Romain Buros, Gabin Villière, Gaël Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (captain); Grégory Alldritt, Alexandre Roumat, Paul Boudehent, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Tevita Tatafu, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros. Reserves: Reda Wardi, Julien Marchand, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua, Mickaël Guillard, Charles Ollivon, Nolann Le Garrec, Émilien Gailleton. ___