Autumn Internationals: France take on Argentina at the Stade de France in Paris
Last Updated: 21/11/14 3:44pm
France will be aiming to build on last weekend's victory over Australia when they take on Argentina at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday night.
It's now been seven years since Argentina shocked the rugby world by turning over France twice at their home World Cup and a win over an experienced Italy side last week will certainly have boosted Daniel Hourcade's men, but this is expected to be another step up.
The build-up has been dominated by talk of one man. Teddy Thomas, the new French sensation was initially named in the starting lineup.
But the 21-year-old, who has scored four tries in his first two appearances, has now been replaced in the squad by Maxime Medard after he failed to attend training on Wednesday evening.
"In the France group there are rules that everyone should respect," coach Philippe Saint-Andre told L'Equipe.
"Teddy, who we love a lot, has forgotten these. When you play in the France team you have to be beyond reproach and respectful on and off the field.
"I had a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) with Teddy and he understands. I'm sure it will make him grow up."
Vice-president of the French rugby federation Serge Blanco added: "The message is clear: There are rules of life in the France team that must be respected."
Thomas apologised for his actions his official Facebook page.
He said: "The rules of the France group shouldn't be broken and I want to offer my sincerest apologies to the staff and the France team, to my team-mates, to all the Bleus fans and our sport.
"I also want to clarify, not by way of justification, that it was my fault and although it should be punished, it was in no way a question of insolent or arrogant behaviour.
"My support of the team for the game this weekend is total and unwavering."
The other changes to France's starting line-up sees Maxime Mermoz replace the injured Alexandre Dumoulin while Sebastien Vahaamahina comes in for Yoann Maestri in the second row. Xavier Chiocci makes his first start at loosehead while Benjamin Kayser has been named as starting hooker.
Creevy back
Argentina are set to welcome back captain Agustin Creevy from injury in one of four changes to their starting XV in Paris.
Nicolas Sanchez is named at fly-half, Juan Martin Hernandez moves to inside centre and Marcelo Bosch starts at outside centre while Juan Imhoff returns to the right wing.
France have won their autumn internationals against Fiji (40-15) and Australia (29-26) while Argentina were beaten 41-31 by Scotland before claiming a narrow 20-18 victory against Italy.
A French win would complete an unbeaten November for the second time in three years. Statistically Saint-Andre's reign has been a disaster, but he will end up with seven wins from a possible nine in November if France beat Argentina, with the two losses coming to New Zealand and South Africa last year.
France: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Maxime Mermoz, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Maxime Medard, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde. 1 Xavier Chiocci, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 3 Nicolas Mas, 4 Pascal Pape, 5 Sebastien Vahaamahina, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 7 Bernard Le Roux, 8 Damien Chouly.
Replacements from: Alexandre Menini, Guilhem Guirado, Uini Atonio, Alexandre Flanquart, Yoann Maestri, Yannick Nyanga, Charles Ollivon, Rory Kockott, Remi Tales, Mathieu Bastareaud, Benjamin Fall.
Argentina: 15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Juan Imhoff, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Juan Martín Hernandez, 11 Manuel Montero, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Tomas Cubelli. 1 Marcos Ayerza, 2 Agustín Creevy (c), 3 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 4 Guido Petti, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 6 Facundo Isa, 7 Javier Ortega Desio, 8 Leonardo Senatore.
Replacements: 16 Matias Cortese, 17 Lucas Noguera Paz, 18 Ramiro Herrera, 19 Lucas Ponce, 20 Tomas Lezana, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
Watch France take on Argentina this Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2 from 9.00pm.
