France’s 13 changes for Romania test suggest offloading style

A team that shows 13 changes from the side that beat Italy and the youngest in age terms for eight years to represent France also contains one other characteristic of note: it's hugely athletic.

The presence of South African-born Bernard Le Roux in the secondrow, normally a flanker, and also that of Yannick Nyanga and Fulgence Ouedraogo underlines what French coach Philippe Saint Andre is thinking ahead of his side's second match in the tournament.

Romania will have a decent pack, strong in scrum and lineout, so France would prefer not to get into an arm wrestle on the gain-line. It's not as if they are lacking in bulk but the composition of the team suggests that they'll look towards more of an offloading style.

Wesley Fofana has recovered from injury and is paired at centre alongside Toulouse's Gael Fickou, two players with excellent footwork capable of creating and exploiting space.

Fofana will be a key player for France but backs’ coach Patrice Lagisquet is keen that the centre is not distracted by external issues. “He [Fofana] needs to detach himself from the external concerns that everyone is expecting big things from him. It is true, I find him a little too permeable [susceptible] to the . . . media,” Lagisquet said.

Affairs on the pitch

Lagisquet explained that the management wanted to be less intrusive and wanted their charges to be more responsible for affairs on the pitch. “Our intervention is less and less important. The players take things in hand themselves and make decisions . . .”

Only number eight Louis Picamoles and left wing Noa Nakaitaci remain from the side that beat Italy, largely France's first choice but there will be a handful of players who believe that they can force their way into the starting XV by the time the pivotal pool match against Ireland hoves into view on Sunday week.

Romanian coach Lynn Howells has selected his strongest side. in the knowledge that he lacks the depth to slit his resources with one eye on the Ireland game next Sunday.

He knows that his pack can be competitive and will look to take the pace out of the game where possible, play for territory and kick to contest or put the ball in the stands.

Anything other than a four-try bonus point would be a surprise and would represent a brilliant effort from Romania.

FRANCE: B Dulin; S Guitoune, G Fickou, W Fofana, N Nakaitaci; R Talès, M Parra; V Debaty, D Szarzewski (capt), U Atonio; B Le Roux, A Flanquart; Y Nyanga, F Quedraogo, L Picamoles. Replacements: B Kayser, E Ben Arous, N Mas, Y Maestri, D Chouly, R Kockott, F Michalak, M Bastareaud.

ROMANIA: C Fercu; M Lemnaru, P Kinikinilau, F Vlaicu, A Apostol; D Dumbrava, F Surugiu; M Lazar, O Turashvili, P Ion; V Poparlan, J van Heerden; V Ursache, V Lucaci, Mihai Macovei (capt). Replacements: A Radoi, A Ursache, H Pungea, O Tonita, S Burcea, V Calafeteanu, I Botezatu, C Gal.

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)