IRB Rugby World Cup
Saint-Andre rings changes for France
PA Sport
September 21, 2015
Huget injury mars Italy victory
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Philippe Saint-Andre has rested almost all of his team from France's opening Rugby World Cup victory for Wednesday's Pool D clash against Romania.

Wesley Fofana returns from injury, while only wing Noa Nakaitaci and No. 8 Louis Picamoles retain their places in the starting line-up following the 32-10 win over Italy at the weekend.

Uncapped Castres winger Remy Grosso has been handed the task of replacing Yoann Huget, who was ruled out of the rest of the tournament after suffering a torn cruciate ligament against Italy.

Yannick Nyanga and Remy Grosso arrive at France's team hotel
Yannick Nyanga and Remy Grosso arrive at France's team hotel© FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

"Remy is a good player, of course he is," Saint-Andre told French journalists at the team hotel in South Croydon.

"He has been improving more and more at Castres, and I tell you if we had a post free for him before, then we would have taken him. "We know he has good qualities, he is quick, he is a puncher and he is on the mark."

Fofana, who was ruled out of France's opener due to a thigh injury, starts at centre alongside Gael Fickou.

Morgan Parra and Remi Tales come in at scrum-half and fly-half for Toulon duo Sebastien Tillous-Borde and Frederic Michalak, while Dimitri Sarzewski takes the armband in place of the rested Thierry Dusautoir.

"Playing four days after [our game against] Italy, it was unthinkable to field the same team," Saint-Andre explained.

"When we built our squad, we took that under consideration. We had to be able to name a second team able to perform against a team who will be fully fresh for their first game."

France:

Dulin, Guitoune, Fickou, Fofana, Nakaitaci, Tals, Parra; Debaty, Szarzewski, Atonio, Le Roux, Flanquart, Nyanga, Ouedraogo, Picamoles

Replacements: Kayser, Ben Arous, Mas, Maestri, Chouly, Kockott, Michalak, Bastareaud.

© PA Sport

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