Wales’ Jamie Roberts is tackled by France’s Morgan Parra
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has shaken up his side by making eight changes from the team which lost 20-13 at home to Wales for Sunday’s trip to play Italy — although four are injury swaps.
Saint-Andre was scathing after the Wales defeat, ripping into his players and even mocking them for their tendency to easily give away points by saying France has become the “Father Christmas” of international rugby.
Saint-Andre has handed debuts to winger Noa Nakaitaci and No. 8 Loann Goujon.
Flyhalf Camille Lopez, whose erratic kicking and poor handling often put France on the back foot against Wales, keeps his place.
South-African born Scott Spedding returns at fullback in place of Brice Dulin; there are two injury replacements at center with Maxime Mermoz coming in for Remi Lamerat and Gael Fikcou in for Wesley Fofana; and scrumhalf Sebastien Tillous-Borde replaces the injured Morgan Parra.
In the forwards, veteran Nicolas Mas returns at prop while Alexandre Flanquart is selected at lock.
No. 8 Damien Chouly, lock Romain Taofifenua and prop Rabah Slimani drop to the bench.
Dulin, who was disappointing against the Welsh despite scoring his side’s only try, has been left out of the squad.
Nakaitaci replaces Sofiane Guitoune, who is also out injured.
The combative Parra, who was one of the only France players who did well against Wales, will miss the rest of the Six Nations after being ruled out for at least more two months with a knee injury.
France opened its campaign with a scrappy 15-8 win against Scotland and then lost 18-11 in Ireland.
Saint-Andre has been criticized for failing to produce a side capable of showing flair — with only two tries scored in three matches — and he snapped after the Wales defeat, turning the tables on his players.
France concludes its Six Nations campaign away to England on March 21. AP
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