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France

Ducuing to make first France start, Plisson and Dulin return

By Peter Thompson
Bordeaux Begles and France wing Nans Ducuing

Nans Ducuing will make his first France start in the third and final Test against South Africa on Saturday, while Jules Plisson and Brice Dulin also come into the side.

Les Bleus have already lost the series after defeats in Pretoria and Durban but have the opportunity to salvage some pride in Johannesburg this weekend.

Guy Noves has made three changes to his line-up to take on the Springboks, giving wing Ducuing his chance to make an impact from the start with Yoann Huget ruled out due to a cut to the mouth sustained in the second Test.

Fly-half Plisson is restored to the side at the expense of Francois Trinh-Duc, who drops to the bench, while full-back Dulin is preferred to Scott Spedding.

Louis Picamoles will retain his place in the back-row having shaken off a thigh injury.

France team: Brice Dulin, Nans Ducuing, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Jules Plisson, Baptiste Serin; Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Rabah Slimani, Yoann Maestri, Romain Taofifenua, Yacouba Camara, Kevin Gourdon, Louis Picamoles.

Replacements: Clement Maynadier, Xavier Chiocci, Uini Atonio, Paul Jedrasiak, Loann Goujon, Maxime Machenaud, Francois Trinh-Duc, Vincent Rattez.