France's 2026 Six Nations preparations are far from serene, despite their status as Six Nations holders and the return of inspirational captain Antoine Dupont. With a squad shake-up and key players missing, the French team is facing challenges in defense and prop issues. Head coach Fabien Galthie has made some controversial decisions, such as excluding established names like Gregory Alldritt, Gael Fickou, and Damian Penaud. The team's strength lies in its beefy pack and backline of phenomenal speed and creativity, but the absence of Penaud and the prop issues are cause for concern. France's chances of defending their title and laying down a marker for the World Cup in 18 months are uncertain. The team's success will depend on the Jalibert-Dupont axis, which has faced obstacles due to Dupont's injuries and Olympic commitments. Despite the challenges, France has some exciting players to watch, including Kalvin Gourgues, Lenni Nouchi, and Nicolas Depoortere. The team's ability to adapt and overcome these issues will be crucial to their success in the Six Nations.
