France vs Argentina: Autumn Nations Series Showdown at Stade de France

Preview: France vs Argentina in the Autumn Nations Series

France will host Argentina at the Stade de France on Friday night. Both teams approach this match in different circumstances compared to their summer encounters.

Team Changes

Table of Contents

Team Changes
Key Areas of Competition
Players to Watch
Head-to-Head Battle
Prediction
Team Lineups

France coach Fabien Galthie initially used a squad full of young players during their tour of South America. They achieved one win and one loss against Argentina. Now, Galthie has called back key players for this home match. Notable returns include Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos, Gael Fickou, Uini Atonio, and Emmanuel Meafou. Argentina will face a stronger French team this time.

Argentina is also in a better position than in the summer. Under new coach Felipe Contepomi, they had a successful Rugby Championship, defeating New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. They started the Autumn series with a significant 50-18 win over Italy and only lost 22-19 to Ireland.

Key Areas of Competition

Set-pieces will be crucial in determining the winner. Both teams excel in this area. France struggled in the scrum against New Zealand but will benefit from Uini Atonio’s return. Argentina has a strong scrum of their own, featuring Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya, and Joel Sclavi.

The lineout will also play a significant role. Argentina executed their lineout well during the Rugby Championship, while France aims to disrupt their play.

Players to Watch

For France, Louis Bielle-Biarrey stands out with his pace and game awareness. Uini Atonio is a vital presence in the scrum and will enhance France’s physicality. Antoine Dupont adds flair and energy to the team.

Argentina features talented players like Tomas Albornoz, who brings flair and speed to their attack. Marcos Kremer, returning from injury, will add physicality and determination. Juan Martin Gonzalez is another key player, who brings skill and momentum to their game.

Head-to-Head Battle

The matchup between Francois Cros and Pablo Matera will be pivotal. Both are influential on their teams and do much of the hard work, making them essential for success.

Prediction

The match is unpredictable. Argentina has shown solid performance this year and could surprise France. However, the home advantage may favor France. Prediction: France by 5 points.

Team Lineups

France:

15 Leo Barre
14 Gabin Villiere
13 Gael Fickou
12 Yoram Moefana
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
10 Thomas Ramos
9 Antoine Dupont
8 Charles Ollivon
7 Paul Boudehent
6 Francois Cros
5 Emmanuel Meafou
4 Thibaud Flament
3 Uini Atonio
2 Peato Mauvaka
1 Jean-Baptiste Gros

Replacements:

16 Julien Marchand
17 Reda Wardi
18 Georges-Henri Colombe
19 Alexandre Roumat
20 Mickael Guillard
21 Marko Gazzotti
22 Nolann Le Garrec
23 Emilen Gailleton

Argentina:

15 Juan Cruz Mallia
14 Rodrigo Isgro
13 Lucio Cinti
12 Matias Moroni
11 Bautista Delguy
10 Tomas Albornoz
9 Gonzalo Garcia
8 Juaqin Oviedo
7 Juan Martin Gonzalez
6 Pablo Matera
5 Pedro Rubiolo
4 Guido Petti
3 Joel Sclavi
2 Julian Montoya
1 Thomas Gallo