France make 13 changes in experimental side for Italy - Autumn Nations Cup
France have named an experimental side to take Italy in the Autumn Nations Cup, with 13 changes to the team that beat Scotland in Murrayfield last weekend.
Just winger Teddy Thomas and playmaker Matthieu Jalibert have survived that XV, as French head coach Fabien Galthie looks to experiment against an Italian side that hasn’t won since the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Rodrigue Neti, Killian Geraci, Baptiste Pesenti, Jean-Pascal Barraque and Gabin Villière will all win their first caps.
Galthie brings back veterans Baptiste Serin and Brice Dulin to help steer the ship. There are also returns for the likes of Cameron Woki, Jonathan Danty and Sekou Malacou.
FRANCE AUTUMN NATIONS CUP TEAM FOR ITALY:
15. Brice Dulin
14. Teddy Thomas
13. Jean-Pascal Barraque
12. Jonathan Danty
11. Gabin Villiere
10. Matthieu Jalibert
9. Baptiste Serin (captain)
8. Anthony Jelonch
7. Sekou Malacou
6. Cameron Woki
5. Baptiste Peseti
4. Killian Geraci
3. Dorian Aldegheri
2. Peato Mauvaka
1. Rodrigue Neti
BENCH:
Teddy Baubigny, Hassane Kolingar, Uini Atonio, Cyril Cazeaux, Swan Rebbadj, Baptiste Couilloud, Louis Carbonel, Yoram Moefana.