Tue. Nov 19th, 2024
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Jonathan Danty scoring against Australia
Jonathan Danty scored a try in France’s final warm-up victory against Australia
Venue: Stade de Marseille Date: Thursday, 21 September Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Coverage: Listen to BBC radio commentary and follow text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

Fit-again Jonathan Danty will make his Rugby World Cup debut in France’s pool game against Namibia in Marseille on Thursday.

The centre missed the hosts’ first two pool games with a hamstring injury picked up in their final warm-up game against Australia.

Prop Cyril Baille will make his first appearance in the 2023 competition after recovering from a calf injury.

Their returns are part of 12 changes to the starting side that beat Uruguay.

Only lock Cameron Woki, number eight Anthony Jelonch and 20-year-old wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey retain their spots in the starting line-up.

Regular number eight Gregory Alldritt has been rested for the game because of some “discomfort in his knee”, said head coach Fabien Galthie.

Ten players who started the opening victory against New Zealand have been selected in the side to face minnows Namibia, with scrum-half Antoine Dupont captaining the side.

Both Baille and Danty have been mainstays in Galthie’s side in the run-up to the World Cup.

France’s final pool game is against Italy on 6 October and a win against Namibia – who have conceded a total of 123 points in their opening two defeats – is likely to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

France team: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarry; Jalibert, Dupont; Baille, Mauvaka, Atonio; Woki, Flament; Cros, Ollivon, Jelonch.

Replacements: Bourgarit, Wardi, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Boudehent, Couilloud, Moefana, Jaminet.

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