France vs Italy Preview: Squad Changes, Six Nations Weekend & Top 14 Updates | French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast!

French Rugby in 22 mins!

Veronique Landew and co-host Bill Hooper preview France vs Italy in Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy with the roof closed, noting France’s last Lille match was a 13–13 draw with Italy in the 2023 World Cup. They discuss Fabien Galthié’s squad changes, including strengthening the second row by moving Ollivon and Guillard to the bench and bringing in Flament and Emmanuel Meafou to add STRENGTH against Italy’s powerful pack. They review Italy’s strong start to the Six Nations (win over Scotland and a close loss to Ireland with a bonus point), the return of Ange Capuozzo at fullback, and Italy’s overall rise after past calls to replace them with Georgia.

The episode also previews England vs Ireland at Twickenham and Wales vs Scotland in Cardiff, discusses a postponed Top 14 match (Perpignan vs Pau) rescheduled due to Storm Pedro, and covers club rugby updates: Toulouse staying top despite missing internationals, Vannes leading Pro D2 after a 26–0 win over Caen and traveling to Biarritz, disciplinary point deductions for some clubs, and sad news of Saubusse in National 3 facing administration. They also note coaching turmoil at Bayonne with Grégory Patat dismissed, Toulon’s struggles, and Montpellier’s surge up the Top 14 table.

Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair and the Gallic Twist! Established in 2020!

Six Nations Preview & Top 14 Roundup | French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast in 30 minutes!

Véronique is joined by Bill Hooper, co-host of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS podcast, ahead of a major Six Nations weekend. They look back at France’s recent performance and discuss Fabien Galthié’s selections and tactical approach, including concerns about intensity, bench impact, and avoiding the same mistakes as the previous match. The conversation also touches on the state of Welsh rugby and what might help rebuild talent and structure. They then shift to the Top 14, reviewing the table and key storylines—tight points, big clubs under pressure, returning injured players, and standout performances—before closing with support for Les Bleus.
Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS, the rugby podcast with the French flair and a Gallic/Celtic twist. Established in 2020!

In this episode of the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, hosts Veronique Landew and Bill Hooper dive into the exhilarating performance of the French rugby team against Ireland in the Six Nations opening game. They discuss the standout performances of players like Mickael Gaillard and the impressive halfback partnership of DuPont and Jaliber. The duo touches on the atmosphere at Stade de France, the tactical adjustments made by coach Fabien Galthie and the controversial refereeing moment - hit on Jalibert. With additional previews of upcoming matches and reflections on the current state of French and international rugby, this episode is a must-listen for rugby enthusiasts. Enjoy the French Rugby CONNECTIONS Podcast, the podcast with the Gallic and French Flair Twist! Established in 2020!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:19 Recap of France vs Ireland Match
01:34 Player Performances and Highlights
08:44 Discussion on Refereeing and Controversies
14:53 Upcoming Matches and Expectations
20:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts