Spedding returns to Kings Park in French colours

France's Scott Spedding. Photo: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters

France's Scott Spedding. Photo: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters

Published Jun 15, 2017

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DURBAN - Former Shark, and South African born French fullback Scott Spedding has been drafted into the Le Blues’ side to take on the Springboks at Kings Park on Saturday (5pm). 

The fullback played one Super Rugby game for the Sharks, as well as 10 Currie Cup games between 2005-2008.

Spedding is one of a number of changes to the squad as coach Guy Noves unleashed his Toulon and Clermont cavalry.

He replaces Brice Dulin in the back, while hooker and captain Guilhem Guirado steps in alongside scrumming powerhouse Rabah Slimani at tighthead.

Romain Taofifeuna comes in to partner Yoann Maestri in the second row and there is a brand new halfback pairing with Baptiste Serin linking up with experienced flyhalf François Trinh-Duc.

Serin made an impact off the bench against the Boks after scoring one of the French tries at Loftus last week.

There is a debutant in the centres as promising star Damian Penaud comes in to earn his first test cap at the expense of another try scorer in Henry Chavancy.

The French will hope that the introduction of some of their domestic stars will have a big role to play in halting the Boks in Durban. A ground that notoriously favours the traveling opposition.

France Squad:

15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Damian Penaud, 12 Gaël Fickou, 11 Virimi Vakatawa, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Kévin Gourdon, 6 Yacouba Camara, 5 Romain Taofifeuna, 4 Yoann Maestri, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado (c), 1 Jefferson Poirot

Replacements:

16 Clément Maynadier, 17 Eddy Ben Arous, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Julien le Devedec, 20 Bernard le Roux, 21 Antoine Dupont, 22 Jean-Marc Doussain, 23 Nans Ducuing

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