All Blacks v France: Fabian Galthie defends second-string squad for New Zealand tour

France coach Fabien Galthie said today he had no choice but to select a second-choice squad for the upcoming international season, which includes next month’s three-test series in New Zealand.

Galthie will be without the likes of front-line players such as winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, fullback Thomas Ramos and No 8 Gregory Alldritt, who are rested after a gruelling club campaign.

The 56-year-old has named a 28-man squad for Saturday’s non-capped friendly with England, excluding players involved in this weekend’s Top 14 semifinals.

Captain Antoine Dupont is also absent, after suffering a serious knee injury in February.

“We don’t have a choice other than picking players who have finished their seasons,” Galthie told reporters.

“It’s an opportunity for us to work with the best players available.

“There’s a decision at the end of the season with the freshness and availability of players.”

In-form Bielle-Biarrey has played 29 games so far this season for club and country while All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has featured 14 times for the Crusaders, who face the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final on Saturday.

“They started their domestic season in February and are finishing it now,” former France captain Galthie said.

“They’re starting a period uniquely for the national team.

“You have to be informative and try to explain the obligations which are linked to our season schedule.

“We have no other solution. I think it’s quite clear.

“Or the New Zealanders can help us to reinvent our domestic season’s schedule.

“It’s the particularities of each country.”

Galthie will add up to 12 players to his squad on Sunday, but without players who have reached next weekend’s Top 14 final.

Following the decider, he will have the option to include a further five players to his set-up for the New Zealand series starting on July 5.

The All Blacks squad is named on Monday.