Toulouse’s Beauxis has not started for France since 2009 while Dupuy, who plays for Stade Francais, sees a similar international exile ended by France head coach Philippe Saint-André.

And Saint-André revealed he has selected Beauxis and Dupuy, who know each well from their time together at Stade Francais, to combat England’s territorial tactics.

“They are a pair of half-backs who are used to playing together at Stade Français. It seemed logical to put Julien with Lionel, rather than François [Trinh-Duc],” said Saint-André.

“It's also our choice, a strategic adjustment. England like to play for territory, especially away, we saw that against Italy and Scotland.

“In the first three games we have struggled to get out of our half in the first 20 minutes. The goal is to have a long kicking game to counter their aerial ping-pong and territory game.

“The two players know the game plan well, Julien has been here for two weeks while Lionel has been here from the start of the preparation.

“The second-half from Morgan [Parra] and François was of high quality against Ireland. We know their qualities and it's very possible that we will change the half-backs during the game.”

Saint- André has resisted the temptation to tinker with his pack, ensuring Julien Bonnaire continues at openside with Imanol Harinordoquy at No.8 and Louis Picamoles again among the replacements.

In the backs, Clement Poitrenaud continues at full-back in the long-term absence of Maxime Medard while Vincent Clerc and Julien Malzieu are on the wings.

Wesley Fofana, who scored France’s crucial try against Ireland, continues to partner Aurelien Rougerie in the centres while Jean Baptiste Poux, Dimitri Szarzewski and Nicolas Mas comprise the front-row.

Again Pascal Pape and Yoann Maestri comprise the second row while Thierry Dusautoir continues to skipper the side from blind-side flanker.

FRANCE:

15. Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
14. Vincent Clerc (Toulouse)
13. Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont Auvergne)
12. Wesley Fofana (Clermont Auvergne)
11. Julien Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne)
10. Lionel Beauxis (Toulouse)
9. Julien Dupuy (Stade Francais)
1. Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse)
2. Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais)
3. Nicolas Mas (Perpignan)
4. Pascal Pape (Stade Francais)
5. Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
6. Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse)
7. Julien Bonnaire (Clermont Auvergne)
8. Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)

Replacements:
16. William Servat (Toulouse)
17. Vincent Debaty (Clermont Auvergne)
18. Lionel Nallet (Racing Metro)
19. Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
20. Morgan Parra (Clermont Auvergne)
21. Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
22. Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan)