A "Crunch" in the final of the unique Autumn Nations Cup.
A match at the top between the English, vice-world champions and recent winners of the Six Nations Tournament, and the French, in full revival who had beaten them at the beginning of the year (24-17) at the Stade de France.
Except that things are not so simple ... Under the agreement signed between the FFR and the LNR which limits the number of international matches to three, the XV of France will not appear on Sunday (3 p.m.) with his team- type.
Already last week, an important rotation had taken place against facing Italy (36-5) and, on Sunday, it is a new revamped French team which will challenge the XV de la Rose, with no less than seven changes.
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Scrum-half Baptiste Serin (Toulon) and winger Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), who had reached the limit of three matches, are replaced respectively by Baptiste Couillou (Lyon) and Aliveriti Raka (Clermont).
The number 9 of the LOU will be the captain of the Blues and the winger of the ASM makes his return in blue, his last selection dates back to the last World Cup and a match against Tonga.
In the center, Jean-Pascal Barraque, injured in the face, gives way to Yoram Moefana (UBB).
Sacred baptism of fire for the young nugget of Bordeaux-Bègles, 20 years old and only 5 matches (including 2 starts) and 4 tries in Top 14.
A densified pack for the rucks war
In front, the tricolor staff has decided to densify its third line, in particular to compete in the rucks with the English.
The number 8 of the Stade Toulousain, Selevasio Tolofua, will therefore start, the Castresian Anthony Jelonch sliding to the position of flanker in place of Sekou Macalou (Stade Français).
In the front row, two other changes: hooker Pierre Bourgarit (La Rochelle) and pillar Hassane Kolingar (Racing 92) will start against vice-world champions, in place of Toulouse's Peato Mauvaka and Rodrigue Neti, disappointing against the Transalpins.
Opposite, Eddie Jones, the coach of the Rose, will line up his typical team, with all of his forces present at the Japanese World Cup, in particular the duo George Ford at the opening and Owen Farrell in the center.
Only change, the winger Jonathan Joseph, injured, is replaced by Anthony Watson.
To challenge an inexperienced starting XV of the Blues who has only accumulated 68 selections, including 30 for the back Brice Dulin.
France's last victory at Twickenham dates back to August 2007 (15-21), during a World Cup preparation match in France.
Since then, the Blues remain on seven setbacks in the "Temple of rugby", with routs 55-35 in 2015 and 44-8 in 2019.
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