France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Monday made six changes to his squad to take on Wales for the final day of the Six Nations rugby union tournament in Cardiff.
The changes for this Saturday’s game follow the shattering 24-22 loss to England at the Stade de France on Sunday, a result that wrecked French hopes of successfully defending the title they won last year.
In come lock Julien Pierre, flanker Fulgence Ouedraogo, scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili, centre Florian Fritz, winger Alexis Palisson and full-back Jean-Marcellin Butin, who at 20 is called up to the international squad for the first time.
Paying the price of the loss to the English are lock and former skipper Lionel Nallet, scrum-half Julien Dupuy, centre Maxime Mermoz and winger Julien Malzieu, while winger Vincent Clerc was not considered due to injury.
“It’s sort of a page that’s turning,” said Saint-Andre.
“We would have liked for the veterans to have an exceptional jubilee Saturday in Cardiff. This isn’t the case.
“I wanted to really thank Lionel Nallet regarding his spirit, his professionalism.
“I was lucky to coach him at Bourgoin and again in the France team. He knew that we had a sort of a deal together – if we played a final at Cardiff, he would have continued the adventure. Unfortunately the adventure finishes here.
“The younger players learned a lot from him from his commitment to the group and his professionalism as a first team player and substitute.”
Florian Fritz was given the nod ahead of Toulouse teammate Yann David, who suffered a groin injury two weeks ago and is not 100 percent fit.
The starting lineup will be named on Thursday.
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