French coach Bernard Laporte has displayed the riches at his disposal by naming a quality side, for the Six Nations match with Scotland on Saturday at Stade de France, despite the absence of the most feared back row in world rugby. In come Julien Bonnaire, Sebastian Chabal and Patrick Tabacco for the injured trio of Imanol Harinordoquy, Olivier Magne and Serge Betsen.
There are several more changes from last year's grand slam-winning side, with veteran outhalf Yann Delaigue preferred to a fit again Frederic Michalak of Toulouse, while Pierre Mignoni makes up the 23rd halfback pairing of Laporte's six years in charge.
Significantly, only the front five remain from the team hammered 45-6 by New Zealand during the autumn Test series. Fabien Pelous again captains the side at lock.
Laporte has also recalled centre Damien Traille and full back Pepito Elhorga to replace Yannick Jauzion and Nicolas Brusque, who are also injured.
"We need someone to take charge at scrumhalf and Pierre has the right credentials to take up the challenge," said Laporte.
Mignoni has not played for France since the 2002 championship when he was used mainly as a replacement for the now retired Fabien Galthie.
"We need someone with authority in this position and that is his role with Clermont Auvergne," said Laporte, who described the selection of Tabacco at number eight over Bonnaire as the sensible option.
"Patrick played as a number eight in the 2003 World Cup so this was a logical choice for us even though we could have also chosen Julien. Taking Patrick is a wise choice because he has a lot of experience."
Scotland have been further hampered by injuries in their build-up with prop Allan Jacobsen and number eight Ross Beattie joining a chronic injury list, which, unlike France and England, they are unable to supplement with fresh talent. Flanker Allistair Hogg is expected to recover in time to take his place.
Welsh coach Mike Ruddock also announced their starting XV for their showdown, also on Saturday, against England at the Millennium Stadium. Centre Sonny Parker is injured, so Tom Shanklin moves from wing to partner Gavin Henson in the midfield.
Gwent Newport Dragons' Hal Luscombe comes in on the wing, with club-mate Kevin Morgan elevated to the bench.
Another vital inclusion is that of Martyn Williams, who returns to the back row for the injured Colin Charvis. The Cardiff Blues openside was a surprise exclusion from the autumn internationals and will win his 50th cap after recovering from a neck disc problem.
Another Blues player, Robert Sidoli, has also recovered sufficiently to take his place in the second row after not playing international rugby since last year's Six Nations due to groin trouble.
"Martyn (Williams) comes into the side as a more than able replacement for Colin," said Ruddock. "His experience as a Lion, and 49 caps for Wales, will be important.
"His availability is a huge boost because it retains the blend of what we wanted in the team, in terms of an experienced openside flanker who can provide a quality link between backs and forwards as we attempt to continue development of a high-tempo game."
FRANCE (v Scotland): P Elhorga; A Rougerie, B Liebenberg, D Traille, C Dominici; Y Delaigue, P Mignoni; S Marconnet, W Servat, P de Villiers; F Pelous (capt), J Thion; J Bonnaire, P Tabacco, S Chabal. Replacements: S Bruno, O Milloud, G Lamboley, Y Nyanga, D Yachvili, F Michalak, L Valbon.
WALES (v England): G Thomas (capt); H Luscombe, T Shanklin, G Henson, S Williams; S Jones, D Peel; G Jenkins, M Davies, A Jones, B Cockbain, R Sidoli, D Jones, M Owen, M Williams. Replacements: R McBryde, J Yapp, J Thomas, R Jones, G Cooper, C Sweeney, K Morgan.
