France head coach Fabien Galthie resisted making sweeping changes for Saturday’s Six Nations match against Scotland, despite the hammering by Ireland last week.
Galthie has made just two changes – lock Cameron Woki replaces the suspended Paul Willemse in the second row – and Louis Bielle-Biarrey comes in for Yoram Moefana on the left wing.
Willemse was sent off in the first half of last Friday’s 38-17 thumping in Marseille, which was the second-worst home defeat suffered by Les Bleus in the history of the northern hemisphere’s rugby championship.
Galthie admitted France were experiencing “a difficult moment” after their humbling by Ireland, but added he still had faith in his players for this week’s away match at Murrayfield.
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“The players have to feel our trust, and we feel their trust,” Galthie told reporters. “The idea we had as a coaching staff and leaders’ group was to keep the same backbone to the team.
“It’s been our project since we’ve been in charge to have solidarity within the squad and the team in good and bad times.”
France – 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu, 8 Gregory Alldritt (c), 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Paul Gabrillagues, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Antonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille.
Subs: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Sebastien Taofifenua, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Posolo Tuilagi, 20 Alexandre Roumat, 21 Paul Boudehent, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Yoram Moefana
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