France are preparing to take on Australia in their final test of the November tour. A match to watch on Saturday at the Stade de France, live on TF1 (9.10pm).

Some senior men are back for this game. According to various media present at Marcoussis on Wednesday (L’Equipe, Midi Olympique, Le Figaro…), Gaël Fickou returns in the centre and should be paired with Nicolas Depoortere, who was in good form against Fiji.

A first cap on the cards for Gourgues

Other returnees include the Stade Toulousain locks Flament and Meafou. Ollivon, man of the match last week, therefore shifts back to his usual position of flanker. No other changes are to be noted in the starting XV.

On the bench, however, a doubt remains. Oscar Jegou had to cut short his session on Wednesday because of back pain. Bayonne’s Esteban Capilla took his place. After an excellent start to the season, the former sevens player could, should the La Rochelle man drop out, come into the bench and win his first cap.

Romain Taofifenua, who had a hard time of it against Fiji, gets a place back on the bench alongside Neti, Lamothe, Laclayat, Auradou and Jauneau. The final player on the bench is young Kalvin Gourgues (20). The Toulouse centre could make his first appearance in the France jersey.

Gourgues benefits in particular from the injuries to Pierre-Louis Barassi and Emilien Gailleton.

The France team: Ramos – Penaud, Depoortere, Fickou, Bielle-Biarrey – Ntamack, Lucu – Jelonch, Alldritt (capt.), Ollivon – Meafou, Flament – Montagne, Marchand, Gros

Replacements: Neti, Lamothe, Laclayat, Taofifenua, Auradou, Jegou (or Capilla), Jauneau, Gourgues.