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French Squad for Opening Match Against New Zealand at RWC 2023

Hosts France have made an injury-enforced change to their squad of 33 set to compete at Rugby World Cup 2023, with Montpellier’s Bastien Chalureau called up to replace Paul Willemse (thigh).

The France squad features a blend of 19 forwards and 14 backs with scrum-half Antoine Dupont two appearances away from earning a 50th cap. Cyril Baille and Damien Penaud could also hit the 50-cap mark during the tournament, depending on how far France progress.

Forwards

Dorian Aldegheri (10 Caps), Stade Toulousain
Grégory Alldritt (41), Stade Rochelais
Uini Atonio (52), Stade Rochelais
Cyril Baille (44), Stade Toulousain
Paul Boudehent (2), Stade Rochelais
Pierre Bourgarit (10), Stade Rochelais
Bastien Chalureau (6), Montpellier Herault Rugby
François Cros (21), Stade Toulousain
Sipili Falatea (13), Union Bordeaux Bègles
Thibaud Flament (18), Stade Toulousain
Jean-Baptiste Gros (24), RC Toulon
Anthony Jelonch (25), Stade Toulousain
Sekou Macalou (18), Stade Français Paris
Julien Marchand (30), Stade Toulousain
Peato Mauvaka (23), Stade Toulousain
Charles Ollivon (35), RC Toulon
Romain Taofifenua (43), LOU Rugby
Reda Wardi (9), Stade Rochelais
Cameron Woki (21), Racing 92

Backs

Baptiste Couilloud (12), LOU Rugby
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (3), Union Bordeaux Bègles
Jonathan Danty (22), Stade Rochelais
Antoine Dupont (48), Stade Toulousain
Gaël Fickou (80), Racing 92
Antoine Hastoy (4), Stade Rochelais
Matthieu Jalibert (25), Union Bordeaux Bègles
Melvyn Jaminet (14), Stade Toulousain
Maxime Lucu (15), Union Bordeaux Bègles
Yoram Moefana (18), Union Bordeaux Bègles
Damian Penaud (43), Union Bordeaux Bègles
Thomas Ramos (26), Stade Toulousain
Gabin Villiere (13), RC Toulon
Arthur Vincent (16) Montpellier Hérault Rugbs

Hosts France play the opening match of the tournament against New Zealand on 8 September followed by further pool matches against Uruguay (14 September), Namibia (21 September) and Italy (6 October).

* Players withdrawn through injury: Paul Willemse

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  2. The cricket bat has been a source of controversy in cricket. In 1771, one player attempted to breach the rules. Thomas White, an English cricketer, took his turn with a bat that was as wide as the wickets in the field. This ensured better defense and gave Thomas an unfair advantage. A protest by the opposing team ensued which later led to a change in cricket laws in 1774, setting the bat width to no more than 4.25 inches.