Antoine Dupont will captain France in his first appearance since undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone in the World Cup quarter-final against the Springboks.
The 26-year-old France captain has been out since 21 September with the injury and only returned to training this week, handing the tournament hosts a massive boost for Sunday’s game against the defending champions in Paris.
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Dupont replacing Maxime Lucu at scrumhalf is the only change to France’s starting lineup from the 60-7 win in their final Pool A match against Italy.
The major alteration comes on the bench as France have opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs.
Fullback Melvyn Jaminet drops out of the matchday squad, to accommodate utility forward Sekou Macalou, who is recalled to the bench. Yoram Moefana offers a utility option in the backline.
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France – 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Aldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Antonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille.
Subs: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram Moefana.
Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP