France coach Bobbie Goulding has named a strong side for the Tricolours’ opening game of the autumn, against England Knights at Leigh, this Saturday (3pm)

Captained by Bradford’s Olivier Elima (See photo), Goulding is viewing it as the perfect preparation before his men face the senior England squad in Avignon a week on Friday, before Test Matches against Scotland and Ireland. The only late change is that Cyrille Gossard comes in at second row for injured Andrew Bentley. Gossard is one of 13 Catalan Dragons in the 17 including a complete three quarter line and almost entire pack, with Melbourne Storm full back Dane Chisholm set to make his debut.

France team to face England Knights
Dane Chisholm (Melbourne Storm), Vincent Duport (Catalan Dragons), Jean-Philippe Baile (Catalan Dragons), Sébastien Raguin (Catalan Dragons), Cyril Stacul (Catalan Dragons), Thomas Bosc (Catalan Dragons), Maxime Grésèque (Pia Donkeys), David Ferriol (Catalan Dragons), Grégory Mounis (Catalan Dragons), Rémi Casty (Catalan Dragons), Olivier Elima (Bradford Bulls) (C), Cyrille Gossard (Catalan Dragons), Jason Baitieri (Catalan Dragons), Eloi Pelissier (Catalan Dragons), Jamal Fakir (Catalan Dragons), Mickaël Simon (Catalan Dragons), Kane Bentley (Lézignan)