France Forced into Midfield Rethink for Wales Six Nations Clash

France have been compelled to name a new-look centre pairing for their upcoming Six Nations encounter with Wales after injuries sidelined both Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere. The Bordeaux Begles duo, who had impressed outside clubmate Matthieu Jalibert in France's opening victory over Ireland, will miss the trip to Cardiff.

Injury Concerns Disrupt French Plans

Moefana has sustained a minor knee knock, while Depoortere is reportedly struggling with a calf issue. Additionally, Toulouse's Kalvin Gourgues is unavailable for the encounter, having featured off the bench in the previous match. This series of setbacks has forced head coach Fabien Galthie into a significant midfield reshuffle just one week into the championship.

In response, Galthie has once again prioritised club cohesion by selecting 20-year-old Pau centre Fabien Brau-Boirie for his international debut. He will partner with Emilien Gailleton, who has earned 11 caps for Les Bleus. This untested pairing will face a formidable Welsh challenge in Cardiff.

New Faces and Returning Stars

Noah Nene is also poised to make his debut from the bench, which includes the returning lock Thibaud Flament. Flament missed the Ireland game to support his wife during fertility treatment but is now back in the squad. The starting side remains largely settled outside the midfield, with the rest of the XV unchanged from the opening round.

Charles Ollivon and Mickael Guillard continue as the locking partnership, while Flament and his Toulouse teammate Emmanuel Meafou are expected to make an impact as substitutes. At fly half, Matthieu Jalibert retains his position following an injury setback for Romain Ntamack.

France Favoured for Cardiff Victory

France enter the match as heavy favourites, having secured a convincing 45-24 victory on their last visit to the Principality Stadium. The team's depth will be tested with these enforced changes, particularly in the critical centre positions.

France XV to face Wales in Cardiff (Sunday 15 February, 3.10pm GMT):