Lamaison dropped for Wales clash

Christophe Lamaison, the ringmaster of the epic World Cup victory over New Zealand at Twickenham last season, pays the price for being unable to unleash the French backs. The goalkicking fly half, who went through the card when England lost a home championship match four years ago, is replaced by a player who can do more than kick goals.

Gerald Merceron, dropped after last year's home defeat by Ireland, returns as the form fly half under instructions to get the French three- quarters moving as they used to.

FRANCE - J-L Sadourny; P Bernat-Salles, S Bonetti, T Lombard, C Dominici; G Merceron, F Galthie; C Califano, R Ibanez, P de Villiers, F Pelous (capt), D Auradou, C Moni, C Juillet, O Magne. Substitutes: F Landreau, S Marconnet, L Nallet, S Betsen, P Carbonneau, C Lamaison, P Elhorga.