Kumamoto (Japan) (AFP)

France coach Jacques Brunel is expected to renew on Saturday against England the starting XV winner at the opening of the World Cup Argentina (23-21), including captain Guilhem Guirado, but with the exception of Arthur Iturria, who would be preferred in 2nd line Bernard Le Roux.

Substitute in the last two meetings, Guirado would find, according to information collected on Wednesday by AFP, his place at the bottom at the expense of Camille Chat, brilliant against the United States (33-9) last Wednesday and especially against Tonga Sunday ( 23-21).

Roux, replacing against the Pumas, had scored points against the Americans and will bring, in the hard fight promised against the XV of the Rose, an additional physical density compared to Iturria.

Brunel will announce Thursday at 10:00 local (03:00 French) the composition for this match still threatened by Typhoon Hagibis, which could hit Tokyo and its region on the day of the meeting. French and English, already qualified for the quarterfinals, must compete in Yokohama first place in Pool C.

The probable starting XV: Médard - Penaud, Vakatawa, Fickou, Huget - (o) Ntamack, (m) A. Dupont - Ollivon, Alldritt, Lauret - Vahaamahina, B. Le Roux - Slimani, Guirado (cap), Poirot

© 2019 AFP