Les Blues

France have named a frightening backline for their Guinness Six Nations opener with World Cup finalists England in Paris on Sunday.

New boss Fabien Galthié has named two debutants in his team with the Montpellier pair f 25-year-old tighthead prop Mohamed Haouas and 27-year-old fullback Anthony Bouthier both included for ‘Le Crunch.’

Racing 92 lock Boris Palu and Bordeaux back row Cameron Woki could also make their debuts after they were named among the replacements.

Their exciting backline includes scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, powerhouse Virimi Vakatawa and Racing 92 flier Teddy Thomas who returns after being exiled by the previous regime.

France also have a new captain in flanker Charles Ollivon who will team up with François Cros and Grégory Alldritt in the back-row.

France team to play England.

15. Anthony Bouthier
14. Teddy Thomas
13. Virimi Vakatawa
12. Gaël Fickou
11. Damian Penaud
10. Romain Ntamack
9. Antoine Dupont

1. Cyril Baille
2. Julien Marchand
3. Mohamed Haouas
4. Bernard le Roux
5. Paul Willemse
6. François Cros
7. Charles Ollivon (captain)
8. Grégory Alldritt

Replacements:

16. Peato Mauvaka
17. Jefferson Poirot
18. Demba Bamba
19. Boris Paul
20. Cameron Woki
21. Baptiste Serin
22. Matthieu Jalibert
23. Vincent Rattez