|
Romain Ntamack will start at fly-half for France against Scotland on Saturday after head coach Jacques Brunel named five changes to his side in a bid to save their ailing Six Nations campaign. With France having lost their opening two championship matches -- their latest a 44-8 thrashing to England -- Brunel has been ruthless with his selection as he drops half-backs Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez from the matchday squad. Ntamack, who made his Test debut in their championship opener against Wales in the centres, starts at fly-half and partners Antoine Dupont at half-back. Elsewhere, Yoann Huget shifts to the wing and Gael Fickou takes the inside centre spot with Thomas Ramos starting at fullback. There is a further change to the pack with Wenceslas Lauret starting at blindside. "Given our performance [against England] we needed to change things," Brunel told reporters on Tuesday, who also denied that Parra and Lopez had been sanctioned for reportedly blamed Brunel and his coaching staff for the England defeat. France host Scotland in Paris on Saturday before Wales play England in Cardiff in the second match of the day. Ireland face Italy in Rome on Sunday. France team to face Scotland: 15. Thomas Ramos, 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Mathieu Bastareaud, 12. Gael Fickou, 11. Yoann Huget, 10. Romain Ntamack, 9. Antoine Dupont; 1. Jefferson Poirot, 2. Guilhem Guirado (c), 3. Demba Bamba, 4. Sebastien Vahaamahina, 5. Felix Lambey, 6. Wenceslas Lauret, 7. Arthur Iturria, 8. Louis Picamoles Replacements: 16. Camille Chat, 17. Etienne Falgoux, 18. Dorian Aldegheri, 19. Paul Willemse, 20. Gregory Alldritt, 21. Baptiste Serin, 22. Anthony Belleau, 23. Maxime Medard Information from Reuters contributed to this report
|
