Damien Traille was given the starting job at fullback on Tuesday when the French side to play New Zealand in Marseille on Saturday night was named.
The return of the veteran Biarritz player is one of seven changes, one positional made by coach Marc Lievremont from the side that defeated Samoa 45-3 in Paris last Saturday.
He replaces Maxime Medard, who was outstanding against the South Pacific Islanders and who gets the nod on the wing in a back line that includes two other Toulouse players in record try scorer Vincent Clerc and the powerful Yannick Jauzion.
At half-back Francois Trinh-Duc of Montpellier fills the No.10 shirt for the third straight game and renews his partnership with Julien Dupuy of Stade Francais.
In the pack, William Servat comes in at hooker for Dimitri Szarzewski, while Fabien Barcella, who starred in the 20-13 win over world champions South Africa in the first of four November Tests, returns at prop.
Sebastien Chabal, who enjoyed a strong game against Samoa, retains his position at lock and will be partnered by the rising Romain Millo-Chluski of Toulouse.
In the back row, Fulgence Ouedrago returns from injury alongside No.8 Julien Bonnaire and skipper Thierry Dusautoir.
Lievremont said that the choice of players for the finale to the Test series had been difficult after the top performances against the Springboks and Samoa, but that injuries to such as Louis Picamoles, Imanol Harinordoquy, Maxime Mermoz and Benjamin Fall had reduced the options available to him.
“I’ve read here and there that France will be favourites for this match. Maybe so, but all that I know is that New Zealand in their last few games have been impressive and are back to an exceptional level and they will also have revenge against France on their minds,” he said referring to France’s 27-22 win in Dunedin in June.
The France side to play New Zealand at Marseille on Saturday
Damien Traille (Biarritz); Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), David Marty (Perpignan), Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse), Maxime Medard (Toulouse); Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), Julien Dupuy (Stade Francais); Julien Bonnaire (Clermont), Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse, capt); Romain Millo-Chluski (Toulouse), Sebastien Chabal (Racing-Metro); Sylvain Marconnet (Perpignan), William Servat (Toulouse), Fabien Barcella (Biarritz). Replacements: Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Lionel Nallet (Racing-Metro), Julien Puricelli (Bayonne), Morgan Parra (Clermont), Yann David (Toulouse), Cedric Heymans (Toulouse), Thomas Domingo (Clermont)
Knives Out
Guest
'not as big and strong as Harinordoquy the enforcer.' Lol. He wishes! Bonnaire is an excellent lineout operator which should mean that 'Angry Harry' isn't missed too much at the set piece.
Parisien
Guest
I agree Shahsan, Picamoles will be missed, I hope Bonnaire goes okay, and I'm surprised to see Chabal starting at lock if Nallet is not there, and not on the bench as an impact player, but I think his presence, experience and psychological value to the team are not to be under-estimated (remember Cardiff 2007). He brings a lot of self belief to the team and loves to get it on with the All blacks, inspiring his teammates in the process. I just want to see him snarl down the haka again! Ouedrago is very good at seven and fast too, but not as big and strong as Harinordoquy the enforcer. Allez les Bleus! (le bleu is singular, les bleus is plural) I'll watch the match with a dozen snails (they love rugby) and a bottle of Bordeaux, mais les Bleus vont manger du kiwi ce weekend!
stuff happens
Guest
French front five were outstanding against the 'Boks. Millo-Chluski (and that's just his surname) and Barcella were terrific.I think the French pack ambushed the 'Boks who missed Juan Smith particularly. The All Blacks will be ready for them. This could be a great game. For those in Australia it's live on Fox at 06.30 (AEST) on Sunday.
Shahsan
Guest
So do I, but only in tufts. he is a bit like Brad Thorn ie not a genuine lock forward. I think youve got to be tall and a guranteed ball winner in the air, or a real monster ie real impact at scrum and ruck/maul time and makes yards with ball in hand. Thorn and Chabal fall ib between those stools. Btw, thanks for the French lesson. What does it mean when you say le instead of les?
Mr cheese
Guest
"Allez les bleus". You need to put the s on 'les'. Anyway, I love a bit og Chabal. He has a beard. And his beard is good. Apart from that, one of his selling points is that he is bearded. Did I mention his beard ?
Knives Out
Guest
Agreed on both counts.
Shahsan
Guest
Pity that Picamoles is injured; would have loved seeing him rip though the ABforwards. My only other complaint is teh choice of Chabal as a starting lock -- to me he will always be a good impact player, nothing more. Allez le Bleus!