France head coach Fabien Galthie has unveiled his matchday 23 for the opening clash of the 2025 Six Nations against Wales on Friday at the Stade de France.
Dupont-Ntamack Partnership Reunited
Antoine Dupont returns to captain the side at scrum-half after missing last year’s tournament, forming a highly anticipated half-back pairing with Romain Ntamack. This marks Ntamack’s first international appearance since suffering an injury ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Despite key injuries to Gaël Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Anthony Jelonch, Reda Wardi, Charles Ollivon, and Damian Penaud, Galthie has assembled a formidable lineup. With Penaud sidelined, Théo Attissogbe steps in on the right wing, while Louis Bielle-Biarrey has recovered in time to start on the left. Thomas Ramos returns to his preferred full-back role after deputizing at fly-half in November.
Midfield and Bench Selections
In the absence of Fickou and Danty, Yoram Moefana (Bordeaux) and Pierre-Louis Barassi (Toulouse) form the midfield partnership, with Émilien Gailleton providing cover from the bench. Notably, Matthieu Jalibert has been omitted entirely from the squad, following his controversial departure during the Autumn Nations Series after refusing a bench role against New Zealand.
Galthie has opted for a 6-2 bench split favoring the forwards, selecting Racing 92 scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec and Gailleton as the only backline replacements.
Forwards and Controversial Inclusions
Grégory Alldritt anchors the pack at number eight, flanked by Paul Boudehent and François Cros. With Thibaud Flament unavailable, Alexandre Roumat partners Emmanuel Meafou in the second row, while Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, and Jean-Baptiste Gros complete the front row.
The most contentious selections come on the bench, with Galthie including Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, both of whom were arrested in Argentina last July over allegations of aggravated rape. While the charges were dismissed in December 2024, their presence in the squad has sparked backlash from sections of the fanbase.
France’s Matchday 23 for Wales Clash
Starting XV:
- Jean-Baptiste Gros
- Peato Mauvaka
- Uini Atonio
- Alexandre Roumat
- Emmanuel Meafou
- François Cros
- Paul Boudehent
- Grégory Alldritt (c)
- Antoine Dupont
- Romain Ntamack
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey
- Yoram Moefana
- Pierre-Louis Barassi
- Théo Attissogbe
- Thomas Ramos
Replacements:
16. Julien Marchand
17. Reda Wardi
18. Dorian Aldegheri
19. Hugo Auradou
20. Oscar Jegou
21. Léo Coly
22. Émilien Gailleton
23. Nolann Le Garrec
With a mix of experienced leaders, returning stars, and controversial selections, France’s Six Nations opener promises to be a fiery contest under the lights in Paris.
