PARIS (AP) – France stalwart Gregory Alldritt will miss France’s final match in the autumn nations series.
The French number eight was not included yesterday in coach Fabien Galthie’s squad for tomorrow’s match against Argentina at the Stade de France.
France is looking to finish a successful campaign in style against the Pumas following convincing wins against Japan and New Zealand.
Aldrittt, who has made 51 appearances for France, started against both Japan and New Zealand but was replaced after 48 minutes against the All Blacks. Charles Ollivon will start in place of Alldritt.
Galthié also left out of his team Romain Buros, who was expected to start at fullback, giving instead a nod to Leo Barre.
Galthie said that Buros did not fully recover from a knock on a thigh and let the coaching staff know he was not fully fit for the match after training with his teammates on Tuesday.
“We couldn’t wait until Thursday, we had to make a decision, and it was Romain who made it. And Leo Barre is ready,” said Galthie, who kept faith in his halfback pairing of Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos.
Number eight Marko Gazzotti was included among the reserves and is likely to win his first cap. France lost 33-25 to Argentina the last time they played in July.
Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi made just one change to his starting line-up after the tight 22-19 loss to Ireland, with Gonzalo García starting at scrumhalf.
