France forced into late change to XV ahead of Italy clash

France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey has been forced to withdraw from France's Guinness Six Nations contest against Italy on Sunday, France have confirmed in a statement on social media.

The 20-year-old was set to start on the left wing at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille in round three of the Championship, and has been replaced in the squad by Toulouse winger Matthis Lebel, who had been released back to his club for this weekend's latest round of Top 14 action.

French outlet Sud Rugby Radio have reported that the Bordeaux-Begles wing has a stiff neck.

Lebel will start on the left wing against the Azzurri, though Bielle-Biarrey's Bordeaux-Begles teammate Yoram Moefana could have been promoted from the bench to the starting XV.

Moefana started against Ireland in round one on the wing, with Bielle-Biarrey on the bench, but their roles reversed in round two victory over Scotland in Edinburgh, with Bielle-Biarrey bagging the match-winning try for Les Bleus.

France XV: 15. Ramos 14. Penaud 13. Fickou 12. Danty 11. Lebel  10. Jalibert 9. Lucu 8. Cros 7. Ollivon (cap) 6. Boudehent 5. Tuilagi 4. Woki 3. Atonio 2. Mauvaka 1. Baille

Replacements: 16. Marchand 17. S.Taofifenua 18. Aldegheri 19. R.Taofifenua 20. Roumat 21. Abadie 22. Le Garrec 23. Moefana