Rugby World Cup 2023: Anthony Jelonch returns as captain as France make 12 changes for Uruguay match
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 13/09/2023 at 09:00 GMT
It will be a memorable night on Thursday for Anthony Jelonch, who comes back into the French side after an anterior cruciate ligament injury to face Uruguay. The hosts started their campaign with a 27-13 victory over New Zealand and face a Uruguay side that have a very poor recent record in the Rugby World Cup. After playing Uruguay, France are in action against Namibia and Italy.
Anthony Jelonch of France during the Autumn Nations Series international test match between France and South Africa (Springboks) at Velodrome stadium on November 12, 2022 in Marseille, France
Image credit: Getty Images
Anthony Jelonch will return to captain France as one of 12 changes for the Rugby World Cup match against Uruguay.
The hosts face the world’s 17th-ranked side in Pool A in Lille on Thursday, following on from a memorable 27-13 win over New Zealand in their opening clash.
France showed impressive resilience after a slow start against the All Blacks, and moved into a half-time lead despite the setback of Julien Marchand's injury.
Their second-half display proved why many are expecting France to make a serious challenge for the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Jelonch comes back in to captain the side, after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament against Scotland in a Six Nations clash seven months ago.
Cameron Woki, Gabin Villiere and Yoram Moefana all retain their places in the team, with Uruguay playing their first match of the tournament.
"I'm already very happy to be back," he said in quotes published by BBC Sport.
"I had my doubts at the start of my rehab, but I knew I had six months.
"I worked very hard in those six months and gave myself the chance to come back.
"To return as captain is a huge source of pride and I'll do everything I can to lead my team-mates to victory."
Uruguay are participating in their fifth World Cup, but have suffered a dismal record at the tournament.
They have just three victories from their last 15 games and are yet to progress beyond the pool stages.
Jelonch leads the side out in place of rested skipper Antoine Dupont, while Julian Marchand misses the match with a hamstring problem. Thomas Ramos is also set to step in for Melvyn Jaminent.
After taking on Uruguay, France face Namibia in Marseille on September 21 before playing Italy In Lyon on October 6.
France starting XV to face Uruguay: Jaminet; Bielle-Biarrey, Vincent, Moefana, Villiere; Hastoy, Lucu; Gros, Bourgarit, Aldegheri, Woki, Taofifenua, Boudehent, Macalou, Jelonch (capt).
Replacements: Mauvaka, Wardi, Falatea, Chalureau, Flament, Cros, Couilloud, Ramos.
- - -
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including Gallagher Premiership Rugby, the Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement