Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Fritz returns as France change four for Wales

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Florian Fritz scored the try that won France the title in Cardiff six years ago

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Fritz returns as France change four for Wales

15 March 2012, 10:26 am

By Sportsbeat

Florian Fritz will start a test for the first time in nearly two years after being named in the French team to take on Wales in the RBS 6 Nations clash at the Millennium Stadium.

Fritz will line up alongside Aurélien Rougerie in the centres, with Wesley Fofana, who has four tries in as many matches this championship, shifting to the wing to cover for the injured Vincent Clerc.

The Toulouse centre is one of five new faces in the team, with David Attoub coming in for the injured Nicolas Mas to make his first start for France.

With Julien Dupuy dropped, Dimitri Yachvili returns at scrum-half after some impressive displays for Biarritz where he will form a half-back partnership with Lionel Beauxis.

And on the other wing Toulon’s Alexis Palisson will make his first appearance for France since the World Cup final as he replaces Julien Malzieu.

Finally William Servat will start at hooker on his final appearance in the blue jersey after announcing he would be retiring at the end of the season to take over as forwards coach with his club Toulouse.

Young Clermont back three player Jean-Marcellin Buttin could also make his French debut in Cardiff after being named on the bench.

15. Clément Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
14. Wesley Fofana (Clermont)
13. Aurélien Rougerie (Clermont)
12. Florian Fritz (Toulouse)
11. Alexis Palisson (Toulon)
10. Lionel Beauxis (Toulouse)
9. Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz)
1. Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse)
2. William Servat (Toulouse)
3. David Attoub (Stade Français)
4. Pascal Papé (Stade Français)
5. Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
6. Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse)
7. Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)
8. Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)
Replacements
16. Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français)
17. Vincent Debaty (Clermont)
18. Julien Pierre (Clermont)
19. Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
20. Morgan Parra (Clermont)
21. François Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
22. Jean-Marcellin Buttin (Clermont)