Paul Willemse will play his first Test since last August when he starts for France in the Six Nations opener against defending champions Ireland in Marseille on Friday.
South African-born Willemse has been named in the No 5 jersey as France have picked a powerful pack to tackle the 2023 Grand Slam winners.
It will be the Montpellier lock’s first Test since he started against the Wallabies in the World Cup warm-up matches last year. Willemse was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.
France are without talismanic scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, as the former World Player of the Year misses the Six Nations to prepare for the Olympic Games.
Dupont’s 31-year-old deputy Maxime Lucu is picked to start, with 21-year-old Racing 92 prodigy Nolann le Garrec set for his second Test cap off the bench.
The other notable call sees utility back Yoram Moefana named on the left wing, in place of youngster Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who drops to the bench after starring at the World Cup.
France – 15 Thomas Ramos; 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Yoram Moefana; 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu; 8 Gregory Alldritt (c), 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros; 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Paul Gabrillagues; 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille.
Subs: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Cameron Woki, 20 Romain Taofifenua, 21 Paul Boudehent, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Photo: Twitter: @FranceRugby