Clerc missed both those defeats with a thigh injury but he has been restored to the training squad by Saint-Andre along with flanker Yannick Nyanga, prop Thomas Domingo, second row Christophe Samson and uncapped South African-born flanker Antoine Claassen.

Clerc, who has won 63 caps for France, comes in at the expense of Maxime Mermoz while back row Damien Chouly, front row Yannick Forestier, lock Romain Taofifenua and injured flanker Fulgence Ouedraogo have all been omitted.

And while Saint-Andre has already admitted defeat in his side’s pursuit of the RBS 6 Nations crown, he has called from a reaction from his side at Twickenham next weekend.

“We want to get the team spirit back that we had in November,” he said. “We won't give in, we will go to London with the will to do better.

“We want to make things up to our fans and to win this match. I'm sure we can do it.

“It is necessary to freshen up the squad mentally and physically.”