Rugby-France near full strength for last World Cup warm-up v Australia

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - International - France v Australia - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 5, 2022 France's Antoine Dupont celebrates with Anthony Jelonch after the match REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - France are back to near full strength for their final World Cup warm-up international against Australia as coach Fabien Galthie on Thursday announced his team for the weekend clash.

He has paired Matthieu Jalibert with captain Antoine Duont at halfback in a clear signal that Jalibert will be the first-choice flyhalf at the World Cup where the French start against New Zealand at the Stade de France on Sept. 8.