Rugby

Lionel Beauxis returns to France XV after six-year absence

Jacques Brunel makes three changes to his side for Six Nations trip to play Scotland

Lionel Beauxis returns to the France XV after a six-year absence. Photograph: Christophe Simon/AFP

Fri Feb 9 2018 - 09:52

Veteran fly-half Lionel Beauxis will make his first appearance for France in six years after being picked to face Scotland in Sunday's Six Nations clash.

The 32-year-old playmaker was drafted in by Les Bleus boss Jacques Brunel after teenage stand-off Matthieu Jalibert suffered knee ligament damage in the opening 15-13 defeat by Ireland last weekend.

Beauxis plays for Lyon in France’s Top 14 competition, after previously representing Bordeaux, and Brunel praised Les Loups coach Pierre Mignoni for reviving his career.

“I thanked Pierre Mignoni because he resurrected him,” Brunel said, according to L’Equipe.

READ MORE

“I called him again yesterday (Thursday) and I said thank you.

“He (Beauxis) couldn’t express himself, he wasn’t finding his place to show what he could do (at Bordeaux). He changed his situation and it’s done him the greatest good, he’s rediscovered his sparkling form and his early season shows it.”

Beauxis has not started for France since the Six Nations clash against Wales in Cardiff on March 17th, 2012.

Wales won 16-9 that day, with Beauxis scoring one penalty.

Brunel added: “We know his talent, his qualities, especially his kicking game, (but) he has not always expressed them at the highest level. He has not had consistency in its performances.

“Since the beginning of the season with Lyon, he has shown great things, which is why he is there (in the France team), compared to others who could have had a claim.

“We trust him, he’s good, he’s happy.”

France will travel to Murrayfield hoping to get their Six Nations campaign properly up and running after Johnny Sexton’s last-gasp drop goal saw Ireland snatch victory at the Stade de France.

Scotland were heavily beaten 34-7 by Wales in their opening clash to sit joint bottom of the standings with Italy.

France team to play Scotland: Geoffrey Palis, Teddy Thomas, Remi Lamerat, Geoffrey Doumayrou, Virimi Vakatawa, Lionel Beauxis, Maxime Machenaud, Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Rabah Slimani, Arthur Iturria, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Wenceslas Lauret, Yacouba Camara, Marco Tauleigne. Replacements: Adrien Pelissie, Eddy Ben Arous, Cedate Gomes Sa, Paul Gabrillagues, Louis PIcamoles, Baptiste Serin, Anthony Belleau, Benjamin Fall.

LATEST STORIES