Brice Dulin comes in for South African-born Scott Spedding at fullback in one of three changes to the French backline for Saturday's third and final Test against the Boks.
Spedding started both of the first two Tests, which the Boks won 37-14 and 37-15.
Meanwhile, Jules Plisson reclaims the No 10 jersey from Francois Trinh Duc, who has been named on the bench, while winger Nans Ducuing will earn a first Test start in place of Yoann Huget, who suffered a cut to his mouth last weekend.
When asked why he had brought Plisson back into the starting lineup, France coach Guy Novès said: 'Why this change? Why not. We saw a little bit of everyone, some more than others, and we think it is the right change at the moment.'
Noves said he favoured continuity as Les Bleus seek to avoid a series whitewash.
'After the first two Tests, we were able to evaluate a little the state of the damage. Looking at the third Test, it will be interesting to see if the work of three to four weeks will bring something. It is also necessary to take account of the injured players.'
However, Novès has made six changes to a revamped bench.
France – 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Nans Ducuing, 13 Damian Penaud, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Virimi Vakatawa, 10 Jules Plisson, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Kevin Gourdon, 6 Yacouba Camara, 5 Romain Taofifenua, 4 Yoann Maestri, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado (c), 1 Jefferson Poirot.
Subs: 16 Clement Maynadier, 17 Xavier Chiocci, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Paul Jedrasiak, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Maxime Machenaud, 22 Francois Trinh Duc, 23 Vincent Rattez.
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
