PARIS — France coach Fabien Galthie included five uncapped players into his squad ahead of an upcoming test against Wales and his team’s final match in the Six Nations.
Galthie called up two new faces on Wednesday — prop Georges-Henri Colombe-Reazel and centre Olivier Klemenczak, who both play for Racing 92 — in his list of 31 players.
The highly rated No. 8 Selevasio Tolofua, lock Killian Geraci and La Rochelle wing Arthur Retiere will also be hoping for their first cap this autumn.
Galthie will be without Damian Penaud after Clermont said he will be sidelined for several weeks with a sprained ankle. Prop Jefferson Poirot is also missing after ending his international career.
France will use the Oct. 24 test to prepare for their postponed Six Nations match against Ireland at home on Oct. 31. Galthie’s side are level on points with England going into the final weekend of the tournament, with England sitting on top of the standings on points difference.
France will then take part in the Autumn Nations Cup to be held in November which replaces the usual tests cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
France squad
Forwards:
Cyril Baille, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Demba Bamba, Georges-Henri Colombe Reazel, Mohamed Haouas, Camille Chat, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Bernard Le Roux, Paul Willemse, Killian Geraci, Romain Taofifenua, Charles Ollivon, Francois Cros, Cameron Woki, Dylan Cretin, Gregory Alldritt, Selevasio Tolofua.
Backs:
Antoine Dupont, Baptiste Serin, Thomas Ramos, Anthony Bouthier, Vincent Rattez, Arthur Retière, Teddy Thomas, Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou, Arthur Vincent, Olivier Klemenczak, Romain Ntamack, Matthieu Jalibert.