Benoit Baby - normally a centre - is the surprise choice at fly-half, the Clermont-Auvergne player replacing the injured Lionel Beauxis.

Bourgoin youngster Morgan Parra comes in at scrum-half and will assume kicking duties, even though he does not take on that role for his club in the Top 14.

While Wales have a fairly settled look about them, France head coach Marc Lievremont continues to make changes, five compared to the team that started the 22-13 win over Scotland a fortnight ago.

Stade Francais centre Mathieu Bastareaud comes into midfield and will make his debut for his country, forming an exciting-looking partnership with Yannick Jauzion.

In the forwards, Sebastien Chabal returns at lock in place of the benched Romain Millo-Chluski while the recalled Sylvain Marconnet will play for France for the first time in two years after recovering from a series of injury problems.

Wales, who have won both their games so far this tournament - against Scotland and England, welcome back star winger Shane Williams from an ankle knock.

Last year's IRB Player of the Year replaces Mark Jones in the 22 and goes straight into the starting XV.

Gavin Henson, who sat out the opening two wins with a calf injury, has been named on the bench in place of Andrew Bishop while fellow centre Jamie Roberts has shrugged off a shoulder complaint and will start at 12.

Wales are looking to make it nine Six Nations matches without defeat, a record held by England and France.