France Six Nations: Brau-Boirie to Start vs Wales | Team News
- Cardiff, Wales – Fabien Brau-Boirie, the promising Pau centre, is set to make his debut for France in their Sunday, February 15th Six Nations clash against Wales at...
- Head coach Fabien Galthie has been forced into reshuffling his midfield due to injuries sustained by Nicolas Depoortere and Yoram Moefana.
- Brau-Boirie’s selection is a reward for his impressive form with Pau this season, where he has scored nine tries in 15 games.
Cardiff, Wales – Fabien Brau-Boirie, the promising Pau centre, is set to make his debut for France in their Six Nations clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium. The inclusion of the 20-year-old is one of two changes to the French starting XV following their dominant victory over Ireland in Paris.
Head coach Fabien Galthie has been forced into reshuffling his midfield due to injuries sustained by Nicolas Depoortere and Yoram Moefana. Both players, who started against Ireland, will miss the Wales match. Depoortere suffered a calf injury, while Moefana is battling a knee issue, according to reports. Kalvin Gourgues, who came off the bench in the previous match, is also unavailable due to an ankle injury.
Brau-Boirie’s selection is a reward for his impressive form with Pau this season, where he has scored nine tries in 15 games. The 6ft 3in centre will slot in at inside centre, partnering with his club teammate, Émilien Gailleton, who scored a try against Wales last year. This pairing represents a significant shift in the French midfield, bringing in youthful energy and a proven club connection.
The changes aren’t limited to the backs. Lock Thibaud Flament, who missed the Ireland game due to personal reasons related to his wife’s fertility treatment, has been recalled to the squad and will feature among the replacements. This adds further depth and experience to the French pack.
France’s bench will also include uncapped Stade Francais centre Noah Nene, providing another potential debutant for Les Bleus. Galthie has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, prioritizing forward depth with six forwards and only two backs.
Despite the changes, France will largely maintain the starting lineup that proved so effective against Ireland. The half-back pairing of Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert will start together for the first time since , adding an exciting dimension to the French attack. Hooker Maxime Lamothe will also join Flament and Nene as additions to the 23-man squad.
The French team enters the match with a significant psychological advantage, boasting a seven-match winning streak against Wales dating back to the World Cup. They are widely expected to secure a fourth consecutive bonus-point victory in this fixture. Wales, coming off a disappointing performance against England, will face a stern test against a French side brimming with confidence and talent.
The injury situation for France highlights the depth within the squad, allowing Galthie to call upon promising young players like Brau-Boirie and Nene. Brau-Boirie’s inclusion, in particular, signals a willingness to look towards the future while maintaining a competitive edge in the present. His ability to combine power and skill makes him a potentially dangerous weapon in the French backline.
Wales will need to drastically improve their performance from their recent match against England if they hope to challenge France. The French are heavily favored, but the Principality Stadium is always a formidable venue, and a passionate home crowd could provide Wales with the lift they need. However, overcoming France’s recent dominance and a reshuffled but potent lineup will be a monumental task.
The selection of Brau-Boirie and Nene demonstrates France’s commitment to developing young talent and building a team capable of sustained success. While experience is valuable, Galthie is clearly willing to give opportunities to players who are performing well at the club level. This approach could pay dividends in the long run, as France aims to establish itself as a dominant force in international rugby.
The match promises to be a compelling contest, pitting a confident and in-form French side against a Wales team desperate to regain its footing. Brau-Boirie’s debut will be a key storyline to watch, as the young centre looks to make an immediate impact on the international stage. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both teams’ championship aspirations.