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France begin reset against Japan after ill-fated summer

When France meet Japan on Saturday they will be eager for a reset after serious off-field problems marred their summer tour of South America.

The French return to the Stade de France for the first time since losing in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals by a point to eventual champions South Africa a year ago.

After that agonising defeat, France relocated their home matches in the Six Nations to other French towns while the stadium was prepared for the Olympics.

Coach Fabien Galthie's players then headed to South America for matches against Argentina and Uruguay that were overshadowed by controversies.

Fullback Melvyn Jaminet was suspended and sent home after making racist comments before newcomers Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were arrested on sexual assault charges. Argentine authorities allowed the duo to return to France but they were not selected for the autumn Tests.

The French Rugby Federation has since introduced an alcohol ban in the dressing rooms, and end-of-competition parties in private venues with appropriate security to improve discipline.

Amid the gloom there has been one piece of good news. It's the return of captain and playmaker Antoine Dupont.

Dupont has not played for the France XV this year in order to pursue the Olympic gold medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Games.

French rugby's poster boy was successful. Then in his first 15s game since the Olympics, less than a month ago, he scored three tries in 30 minutes for his Toulouse club.

Against Japan, Dupont will be passing to Toulouse colleague Thomas Ramos at flyhalf. Ramos was usually at fullback but finished the Six Nations at 10 in wins against England and Wales.

"It's all about their talent, their potential and their level of play," Galthie said of the pairing.

Japan nemesis Damian Penaud will also start for France, the winger having scored four tries in four games against the Brave Blossoms.

France have never lost to Japan in seven previous matches since 1973.

Japan coach Eddie Jones made six changes to the side that lost to New Zealand 64-19 on October 26 in Yokohama, recalling scrumhalf Naoto Saito, who plays for Toulouse, and 2023 World Cup captain and flanker Kazuki Himeno.

"We've picked our strongest 23 for this game," Jones said.