Injury-hit France recall veterans for Springboks test, Etzebeth back

France coach Fabien Galthie on Sunday recalled a clutch of experienced internationals for country’s big challenge of their autumn Nations Championship fixtures against South Africa. Les Bleus thumped Fiji 54-17 on Saturday in Lyon, but have only won once in the last 10 meetings with the Springboks going back to 2009. South Africa have beaten France five straight times at the Stade de France, including a one-point quarter-final victory in 2023 on their way to retaining the World Cup. Galthie recalled 31-year-old hooker Julien Marchand, who had been sidelined since injuring a thigh in early October. He made his return