France coach Fabien Galthié has recalled a clutch of experienced players for the Nations Championship fixture against South Africa, with his squad depleted by a mounting injury list in the backs.
Hooker Julien Marchand, 31, returns after being sidelined since early October with a thigh injury, having come through his comeback for Toulouse on Saturday during France's 54-17 dismantling of Fiji in Lyon. He could go straight into the starting side to face a Springbok front row that has caused opposition scrums considerable problems.
The back line remains a concern for Galthié. Romain Ntamack, returning to international rugby on Saturday, was forced off with a shoulder injury, compounding the absences of Matthieu Jalibert and Thomas Ramos. In response, Galthié has called up Louis Carbonel — not part of a France matchday squad since 2022 — alongside the recalled Gaël Fickou, 32, and Teddy Thomas, 33.
Winger Gaël Dréan, 26, also comes into the mix after scoring for Toulon on Saturday in his first match back following six months out after heart surgery.
France have won only once in their last 10 meetings with South Africa dating back to 2009, and the Springboks have won five consecutive Tests at the Stade de France, including the one-point quarter-final victory in 2023 on the way to retaining the World Cup.