Uini Atonio and Romain Taofifenua were named by France head coach Fabien Galthie in the holders’ starting line-up to face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.
Tighthead prop Atonio comes in for Dorian Aldegheri, who has a groin issue, and lock Taofifenua replaces SA-born Paul Willemse, who sustained a hamstring injury in last week’s record 53-10 win over England.
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New-Zealand-born Atonio, 32, will win his 50th cap at the Stade de France this weekend as Les Bleus eye retaining their trophy with a bonus-point win if Ireland fail to claim a point against England in Dublin later in the day.
Atonio returns after being suspended for two games for making a high tackle during a 11 February 11′ defeat by Ireland.
“He’s a player that counts because of his experience, his intrinsic qualities, his power at the scrum,” France coach Fabien Galthie told reporters.
“He’s surely the best in the world in his position at scrum-time so it’s an asset which means he’s an indisputable starter.”
Taofifenua has come off the bench in France’s four games so far this Championship and has started just five Tests since Galthie took over after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“He’s our second tight-head lock, simply put,” Galthie said. “In our hierarchy there is Paul and then Romain. He’s played well when he’s come on.
“Naturally with his performances he wears the No 5 shirt, it’s an obvious choice.”
France – 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Ethan Dumortier, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Romain Taofifenua, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille.
Subs: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Sipili Falatea, 19 Bastien Chalureau, 20 Sekou Macalou, 21 Maxime Lucu, 22 Yoram Moefana, 23 Melvyn Jaminet.
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