When Fabien Galthié assembled his squad for Friday’s uncapped clash with England, the usual suspects were largely absent. Instead, the French head coach turned to an unlikely source: the Bordeaux-Bègles contingent, whose stunning eighth-place finish in the Top 14 unexpectedly freed them up for national duty.
That bitter disappointment for the club — missing the playoffs entirely — is now a golden opportunity for Galthié to test depth and build toward the future. With the Six Nations window closed and a Rugby World Cup cycle winding down, this match at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes is less about victory and more about answers.
The most intriguing storyline? Jefferson Poirot returns to the France squad for the first time since 2019. The loosehead prop, who lifted the Investec Champions Cup with Bordeaux this season, walks straight into the starting XV. His form has been exceptional, and Galthié clearly wants to see if that club success translates to the international stage.
Backline: Club Connections and Fresh Faces
Galthié is leaning heavily on existing partnerships, particularly in midfield. Bordeaux-Bègles’ Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere are expected to start together at inside and outside center respectively — a combination that gives France a blend of power and creativity. They worked together during the Six Nations, and this match allows Galthié to evaluate them further without the pressure of tournament points.
At half-back, expect another club pairing: La Rochelle’s Antoine Hastoy and Nolann Le Garrec. Both have Test experience but have slipped behind Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack, Maxime Lucu, and Antoine Dupont in the pecking order. This is their chance to make a statement — or risk being left behind entirely.
The back three is where the real experimentation happens. Théo Attissogbe retains his wing spot from the Six Nations, while Toulon’s Mathis Ferté could debut at fullback. Castres’ Christian Ambadiang, impressive this season, is also in line for a starting role.
Pack: A Bordeaux-Bègles Core
The forward pack reads like a club selection sheet. The back row of Marko Gazzotti, Temo Matiu, and Pierre Bochaton all hail from Bordeaux-Bègles and bring a pre-built understanding. That cohesion matters against an England side featuring Ben Earl and Tom Curry — players who thrive in broken play.
Mickaël Guillard, listed as a lock despite recent shifts to number eight, anchors the engine room alongside Tom Staniforth — another Bordeaux-Bègles player. Staniforth’s inclusion adds size and stability, giving France a formidable tight five.
At hooker, Maxime Lamothe joins Poirot in the front row, with Régis Montagne at tighthead. Galthié has options on the bench too, with Barnabé Massa, Reda Wardi, and Emerick Setiano all capable of making an impact.
What It All Means
This isn’t a game that will define Galthié’s tenure. But it could shape the next wave of French rugby. The head coach has a history of using these uncapped fixtures to blood talent and build relationships. A 6:2 bench split suggests he wants physicality late in the match, but the real prize is evaluation.
For Bordeaux-Bègles’ players, this is a chance to turn club disappointment into international opportunity. For England, it’s a very different test than facing a full-strength France. And for fans, it’s a glimpse of what might come next.
Kickoff is Friday in Vannes. The names may be unfamiliar, but the stakes are quietly real.
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