PARIS (AP) — Yoram Moefana replaced the injured Jonathan Danty in the France side facing New Zealand in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup at Stade de France on Friday.
Danty, the first-choice inside center, is recovering from a sore hamstring after a try-scoring appearance in the last warmup against Australia two Sundays ago.
The versatile Moefana, who can also play on the wing, will make his 19th test appearance, and partners veteran Gaël Fickou in midfield.
“Everyone has faith in Yo,” fullback Thomas Ramos said on Wednesday. “We will all support him.”
Matthieu Jalibert starts at flyhalf as expected in place of star flyhalf Romain Ntamack, who sustained a serious knee injury during a warmup game.
“It's a choice that has become obvious,” France coach Fabien Galthié said. “There is no doubt.”
Galthié picked tough-tackling Gabin Villière on the left wing to face the All Blacks.
“I've been feeling much better in the last few months,” said Villière, who has struggled with injury during his international career and wins only his 15th test cap.
Thomas Ramos got the nod at fullback ahead of Melvyn Jaminet, who was on the bench and gives three-time runner-up France two excellent penalty kickers.
Galthié has favored a more attacking option with five forwards and three backs among the replacements, instead of his usual 6-2 split. Center Arthur Vincent and scrumhalf Maxime Lucu offer backup.
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France: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villière, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (captain); Grégory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, François Cros, Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki, Uini Atonio, Julien Marchand, Réda Wardi. Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, Melvyn Jaminet.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
