Kumamoto (Japan) (AFP)

A broad review of the squad: France coach Jacques Brunel made twelve changes in the starting XV for the second World Cup match, against the United States on Wednesday in Fukuoka (southern Japan), where Captain will be, for the first time, Louis Picamoles.

With two matches in four days (Tonga 6 October), and even three in ten (England 12), a major rotation was expected. Perhaps not in these proportions, but the management has apparently wanted to preserve, facing the weakest opponent of the hen on the paper, his forces in view of the rough fight expected against the Tongan.

"We tried to balance on both sides, to make everyone play, some people will double, we tried to take into account the shape and the health status of each one." Brunel told the press in Kumamoto.

"There are a lot of changes, but without any of them, because 17 players were on the scoresheet last weekend (23-21 against Argentina). All incumbents, there are only six new ones, "added Brunel, who" a little "also considered the characteristics of the Americans," athletic but less powerful than Tonga ".

The six new ones are, among the holders, the right pillar Emerick Setiano (1st start), the second line Paul Gabrillagues, the third line Yacouba Camara, the center Sofiane Guitoune and the winger Alivereti Raka. And among substitute Baptist Serin.

- Machenaud has overtaken Serin -

Compared to the match won against the Pumas, only Yoann Huget (wing), Gael Fickou (center) and Arthur Iturria, repositioned second in the third row, retain their place in the starting XV.

The Blues will be led by Picamoles (33 years, 80 sel.), A logical choice according to Brunel: "Yes it was necessary.It is the one who has the most experience in this team reworked. and a role he knows (in Montpellier), it is the one with the most guarantees. "

Behind him, the hinge was changed, and confidence was placed in the experienced pair composed of Maxime Machenaud and Camille Lopez, instead of the young Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack.

Machenaud was therefore again preferred to Serin, as against the Pumas, while the neo-Toulonnais had been replacing Dupont during the three preparation matches.

"Maxime Machenaud was substitute in the first game, we chose to start it, we stayed in the continuity of our first choice, and we hope that Baptiste will also have a chance," commented Brunel.

Apart from Serin, the bench is composed only of holders facing the Argentines.

the starting XV: Ramos - Raka, Guitoune, Fickou, Huget - (o) Lopez, (m) Machenaud - Camara, Picamoles (cap), Iturria - Gabrillagues, B. Le Roux - Setiano, Cat, Baille

Replacements: Poirot, Guirado, Slimani, Vahaamahina, Alldritt, Serin, Ntamack, Médard

© 2019 AFP