England A - France A: What's this friendly match that doesn't count towards a selection?

It's taking place at Twickenham, with English and French players, and a rugby ball in the middle. But Saturday's match in the London suburbs won't be a true match in the long, rivalry-filled history between France and England.

A clue in the name: the English FA is talking about an "England XV - France XV" clash , and on this side of the Channel, they're talking about an "England A - France A" clash. But in any case, it doesn't count as an official match.

Why? Because the international matches of the top teams are played at times negotiated with the international federation, as will be the case for the three matches of the Tricolores' summer tour to New Zealand (July 5, 12, 19). This is a friendly, not a test match. Which means it won't count as a selection for those lining up on the legendary English pitch on Saturday.

"We could have played the French XV in its usual name. But with regard to the National Rugby League, with which we are negotiating on the availability of international players, we did not think it was wise to add a match labeled as the French XV," explained the vice-president of the French Federation in charge of high-level football, Jean-Marc Lhermet, to L'Équipe . "It would also have caused problems since there are compensations and indemnities to be paid to the clubs. A match of the French XV has too significant consequences."

This isn't a first in the recent history of the French XV. Last year, the Blues won a friendly match (43-28) in Uruguay, which went unnoticed in the chaos of non-sporting affairs. The match was sandwiched between two official matches against Argentina. A similar initiative took place in November 2017, against New Zealand in Lyon.

Although the staff and training site are exactly the same as usual, Fabien Galthié and his assistants were only able to work with 28 players, and not the usual 42 under the agreement between the Federation and the League (which represents the clubs), this week in Marcoussis.

The coach also has to deal with the absence of international players who are playing for one of the four clubs in the Top 14 semi-finals this weekend: Toulouse, Bayonne, Bordeaux-Bègles, and Toulon. This also includes players who were spared this summer after a demanding season, such as La Rochelle's Grégory Alldritt and Paul Boudehent.

Result: 13 players who prepared for the trip to Twickenham have never worn the French jersey in competition. Five of these rookies will be starting on Saturday, like Montpellier's Canadian-born second row Tyler Duguid , and four other substitutes.

The English also arrive weakened for the occasion, since many key players, including their captain Maro Itoje, are retained with the British Lions to prepare for the summer tour to Australia of this selection of the best English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish players.

"We're going to face a strong English team, with good players who will be present on Saturday even without those with the Lions," said centre three-quarter Émilien Gailleton. "It's going to be a good selection for the future, good preparation for the matches that await us in New Zealand, and a good opportunity for us to see new players with a reworked team."

It's worth noting that some familiar faces from both sides will be in attendance. On the French side, Gaël Fickou (94 caps ) will be responsible for coaching the youngsters. England will rely on their fly-half George Ford, their hooker Jamie George and their centre Henry Slade. He will be one of only two starters, along with his partner Tom Willis, at the last real Crunch in February in the Six Nations Tournament .