France change five for their Six Nations opener with Wales

Fabien Galthie has named his France team to host Wales in this Friday’s Guinness Six Nations opener in Paris, confirming an XV showing five changes from the November win over Argentina.

Les Bleus closed off their unbeaten Autumn Nations Series with a commanding 37-23 victory over the Pumas and they now return to action 10 weeks later with a side containing three alterations in the backs and two more in the pack.

The recall of Romain Ntamack at out-half sees Thomas Ramos revert to full-back with the injured Leo Barre missing out. Pierre-Louis Barassi is back from the wilderness for a rare Test start at midfield in place of the unavailable Gael Fickou, while rookie Theo Attissogbe is named on the wing in place of Gabin Villiere.

In the forwards, lock Alexandre Roumat, who was a sub the last day, and No8 Gregory Alldritt come in for the injured duo of Thibaud Flament and Charles Ollivon.

The headline news on a bench that retains its six/two forwards/backs split is the inclusion of Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, the pair who were arrested in the aftermath of their July 6 Test debuts against the Pumas in Mendoza.

Both became available for international selection with their country for the Six Nations after the alleged rape case against them was dismissed.

Auradou fills the spot vacated by the promoted Roumat while Jegou takes over from Marko Gazzotti on a bench showing three changes in total from last November. Cyril Baille is the loosehead prop cover on this occasion instead of Reda Wardi.