France and Pumas want to end autumn rugby in style

PARIS (AP) — One thing is certain for Fabien Galthie’s France this fall. Nothing is certain.

Since the beginning of the autumn tests, the coach has not hesitated to overlook established stars, and so far it has worked out well. France will take on Argentina in the final Test of the year on Friday at the Stade de France after defeating Japan And New Zealand.

This month, stalwarts were sacrificed one after another for the good of the team. Gael Fickou was on the bench against Japan and Mathieu Jalibert was on the bench against the All Blacks but then refused to accept it and left the team. It was Gregory Alldrit’s turn to pay the price for Galthie’s rotation policy.

The number eight was not even in the 23rd round of the match with the Pumas after Galti. made four changes.

Galthie reasoned that he was trying to build depth and more experience ahead of the Six Nations, as well as the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“There is no controversy,” he said.

The players left on the sidelines, at least Fickou, didn’t seem to take it personally.

Fickou joked: “I was a little cold on the bench. This is the whole point of group life. You can’t play every game. There are also some great players at my position who are growing and have talent. I have to be good enough to stay here.”

Either way, competition for spots pays dividends. A year after his home Rugby World Cup quarter-final heartbreak at the hands of South Africa and after a summer tour of South America marred by off-field controversy, France returned to form.

The 30-29 win over New Zealand last weekend, with talismanic captain Antoine Dupont on board in the second Test of the year, was a statement that France are once again a serious threat.

France and the Pumas split the series in Argentina in July, with the Pumas winning the last match 33–25. But the Pumas haven’t beaten the Tricolors in France for 10 years.

Unlike Galthie, Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has been focusing on continuity since taking office. His Pumas beat Italy 57-17 and lost to Ireland 22-19. Contepomi made just one change to his starting line-up, with Gonzalo Garcia coming into scrum-half for fresh legs on Friday night.

They have also received a boost in the reserves with flanker Marcos Cremer returning for the first time this month from a knee injury and striker Mateo Carreras, who has become a father. They started both Tests against France in July.

Kremer and Carreras are also among the 10 Pumas playing for clubs in France.

“We have to look at our jersey and put it where it deserves, regardless of the opponent,” Carreras said. “The added spice is that France gives us the desire to go out and win. Defensive communication will be key. We need to keep the ball and maintain discipline.”

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