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France hand Vahaamahina recall for Wales clash
By Alex Fisher
Sebastien Vahaamahina will win his 11th cap on Saturday as France look to finish the Six Nations with a flourish against Wales.
After a tight opening round defeat to England, France's form has stuttered with victories over Scotland and Italy either side of a loss at the hands of Ireland.
Their convincing 40-18 win in Rome last time out has given Guy Noves' side the chance to claim second place behind champions England with a win over Wales, providing Ireland are beaten by Eddie Jones' side.
Noves has opted to make just one change for the final weekend with Vahaamahina coming in for Julien Le Devedec in the second row.
Fabien Sanconnie retains his place in the back row alongside Kevin Gourdon and Louis Picamoles.
Noves has also been able to recall flanker Damien Chouly after an ankle injury, but the 31-year-old is only fit enough for a place on the bench.
France: Brice Dulin, Noa Nakaitaci, Remi Lamerat, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Camile Lopez Baptiste Serin; Cyril Baille, Guilhem Guirado, Rabah Slimani, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Yoann Maestri, Fabien Sanconnie, Kevin Gourdon, Louis Picamoles.
Replacements: Camille Chat, Uini Atonio, Eddy Ben Arous, Julien Ledevedec, Damien Chouly, Francois Trinh-Duc, Antoine Dupont, Yoann Huget
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Latest Comments
England conceded three tries. There defence was poor. And they only scored one (intercept) try. So their much lauded attack was also poor.
England are worse than they were last year.
Go to commentsThat's what you get with Smith! He's still a player who is more likely to provide a moment of brilliance than a well structured attack.
Meanwhile Ford is someone who will give you brilliant phase play throughout a test match, but he's not fast enough to properly take advantage of a tired defence in the last 20 minutes.
Picking Smith to start and Ford off the bench, rather than the other way around, or giving either one of them the full 80, is a baffling decision.
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